Some 377 master cases of illegal cigarettes with an estimated street value of P21,602,100 were intercepted by a combined team from the Ligao Maritime Law Enforcement Team, Philippine National Police-Maritime Group, Regional Maritime Unit 5, and Bureau of Customs (BoC) recently aboard a motorized banc.

Nine people on board the intercepted watercraft ‘Suzie’ were unable to produce any legal documentation for the purportedly illegally obtained goods. Upon first inspection, it was discovered that the cigarette packages were missing their revenue stamp, which is unmistakable proof that the associated taxes owed to the government had not been paid.

In accordance with Executive Order No. 245’s amended rules and regulations governing the importation and exportation of tobacco and tobacco products, as well as offenses against Republic Act 8424, also known as the National Internal Revenue Code of the Philippines, and Sections 117 and 1113(a) and (f) of RA 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, a warrant of seizure and detention will be issued against the cigarettes and their conveyance.

Collector Guillermo Pedro Francia IV stated that this operation reflects the government’s stepped-up efforts to combat smuggling and illicit commerce. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of increased cooperation among government agencies in addressing the issues created by smuggling in order to ensure that taxes are collected correctly.

“This operation demonstrates our unwavering dedication to fighting the illegal cigarette trade and destroying the evil operations of smuggling networks. The Bureau of Customs will remain in the forefront of upholding the law and making sure that all taxes owed to the government are paid. Strong cooperation with law enforcement organizations is the key to this accomplishment, as it protects lawful commerce and public funds from the negative impacts of smuggling,” BoC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio stressed.