4 Chinese nationals nabbed as P256-M tobacco products, gear seized in Cavite

Photo from the Bureau of Customs

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported Monday the arrest of four Chinese nationals and the confiscation of P256.5 million worth of tobacco products and cigarette-making paraphernalia in Cavite,

According to the BOC, the seized imported goods were discovered in a warehouse in Brgy. De Ocampo in Trece Martirez City during an operation conducted last June 28.

The BOC said in a statement the four arrested Chinese nationals would face legal charges in relation to smuggling.

Based on the BOC’s report, the agency confiscated raw materials for cigarettes worth P105 million; one filter maker, two cigarette makers, and six packing machines worth P75 million; four boxes of tax stamps worth P72 million; and 81 master cases of Marvels cigarettes worth P4.05 million.

Finished cigarette products were also found in the warehouse, it added.

Customs Deputy Commissioner Raniel Ramiro and the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service will recommend the issuance of a warrant of seizure and detention and filing of related charges against the warehouse operator.

Customs chief Rey Leonardo Guerrero said: “We’ve always worked on the assumption that today is our last day or our last chance to curb smuggling. I am proud of our Customs agents for going above and beyond their call of duty to protect our borders and improve our anti-smuggling initiatives.”

“The smear campaign against us will not deter us from doing our work. The goal remains the same, and that’s to pursue criminals who make a mockery of our laws,” he also said. – Christine Annie Asistio, INQUIRER.net intern

RELATED STORY

Customs chief Guerrero denies involvement in smuggling of agri-fishery products

KGA/abc