BOC Batangas intercepts P64.4 million worth of cigarettes from China

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Batangas seized smuggled cigarettes. BOC PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Bureau of Customs-Port of Batangas on Thursday seized smuggled cigarettes shipped from China with an estimated street value of P64.4 million.

In a statement, the BOC said the shipment arrived at Port of Batangas from Guangdong, China on August 20 and was declared as plastic cabinets.

The Port of Batangas, however, was alerted about the shipment on August 24. Upon physical inspection, the 2×40 container was found to contain 1,631 master boxes of Mighty and Marvel cigarettes.

Acting District Collector Rhea M. Gregorio recommended the issuance of Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the entire shipment in violation of Section 1400 “Misdeclaration, Misclassification, and Undervaluation in Goods Declaration” in relation to Section 1113 “Property Subject Seizure and Forfeiture” of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

“The BOC-Port of Batangas ensures that the Bureau remains steadfast in securing our country’s borders, facilitating trade, and collecting lawful revenues,” the BOC-Port of Batangas said in a statement.