
Key points:
·The Bureau of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (BoC-CIIS) in the Philippines seized contraband cigarettes worth approximately 83.7 million pesos (1.5 million U.S. dollars) in Bulacan province.
·Enforcement officers found 717 boxes of various brands of cigarettes and six trucks loaded with the smuggled goods in a warehouse. The brands included Modern, TS, Two Moon, Tattoo, and others.
·The operation was supported by representatives from Philip Morris International (PMI) and Japan Tobacco International.
·The smuggling activity is believed to have a significant impact on the tobacco and e-cigarette consumption tax revenue in the Philippines, with an estimated tax loss of around 40 billion pesos (700 million U.S. dollars).
According to a report by Tribune.net on April 26th, the Bureau of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (BoC-CIIS) in Bulacan province discovered contraband cigarettes worth approximately 83.7 million pesos (1.5 million U.S. dollars) in a warehouse in Bocaue City.
The operation was carried out by the Manila International Container Port Sub-Office of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS-MICP). Enforcement officers on-site discovered 717 boxes of cigarettes of various brands, and also detained six trucks carrying smuggled goods.
According to Verne Enciso, director of BoC-CIIS, the operation was launched based on intelligence received previously. After verifying the information, the team applied to the Customs Bureau director and obtained a formal Letter of Authority, before carrying out the inspection.
Brands of cigarettes seized on the scene include Modern, TS, Two Moon, Tattoo, Fort, H&P, Xplore, Carnival, Concord, RGD, Marvels, Chesterfields, and New Orleans, among others. Ensizo stated that the estimated value of the goods involved is approximately 83.7 million pesos, with the actual value to be confirmed after a detailed inventory is completed. To ensure the safety of the items, the warehouse involved in the case has been sealed and locked.
An official from Philip Morris International (PMI) and a legal consultant from Japan Tobacco International (JTI) also expressed appreciation for the enforcement actions taken by customs authorities.
Previously, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines reported that due to illegal trade of cigarettes and e-cigarettes between 2021 and 2024, the country's tobacco consumption tax revenue significantly decreased, resulting in an estimated financial loss of around 40 billion pesos (7 billion USD).
We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.
Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn
Notice
1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.
2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.
4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.
Copyright
This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.
For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.
We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com