By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno on Friday led the inspection of a shipment containing PHP235 million worth of smuggled cigarettes from the United Arab Emirates bound for the Port of Batangas.
In a statement, the BOC chief reported that the shipment containing 637 master cases of cigarettes labeled MAC Super Slim Ice Cool Blast Cigarettes lack the required graphic health warnings in violation of Republic Act 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law.
The items also did not bear the required Bureau of Internal Revenue Stamps, in violation of the National Internal Revenue Code of the Philippines.
Following the examination findings, a warrant of seizure and detention was issued by District Collector Carmelita Talusan for violation of Sections 117 and 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
Nepomuceno said that the BOC’s intelligence-driven enforcement campaign against illicit tobacco trade will remain relentless.
“Those who attempt to exploit the country’s borders for illegal trade will face the full force of the law,” he warned.
From Jan. 1 to March 6, the bureau recorded 127 successful cigarette-related interdictions, resulting in the seizure of approximately PHP2 billion worth of illicit cigarettes nationwide.
“The BOC continues to strengthen coordination with partner law enforcement agencies to pursue a more coordinated and whole-of-government approach in combating illicit tobacco trade, one of the persistent threats to public health and fair market competition,” he said. (PNA)
