Smuggle try of P791M worth of cigarettes foiled

Inquirer files

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) foiled an attempt to smuggle into the country P791 million worth of cigarettes from Singapore at the Manila International Container Port over the weekend.

The BOC said on Tuesday the contents of the shipment, consigned to Burias Jang Consumer Goods Trading, was initially declared as cases of tobacco products.

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During a spot check, three containers were found to contain an estimated 1,756 master cases of varying brands of cigarettes, namely Golden, Bind, Double Happiness, and H&P One, and heat sticks of brands COO and Like Premium Blueberry.

“The value of the products found in all three containers with 4,215 master cases of assorted cigarettes and 1,053 master cases of heat sticks was pegged at P791 million,” the bureau said in a statement.

It added that the shipment’s consignors and consignees could face charges for violating tax, customs and intellectual property laws, including rules and regulations on tobacco exports and imports. —Jane Bautista