BOC Collaborates with Tobacco Companies to Combat Illicit Trade

According to reports from the Philippine News Agency, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines has partnered with the international tobacco company Philip Morris International (PMI) to aid in combating the country's illegal trade.

Bureau of Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio stated, "These smugglers and illegal traders have proven to be highly adept at employing innovative methods to infiltrate our market. Therefore, our close collaboration with tobacco companies aims to address their various tactics through a more comprehensive approach.

The Philippine Bureau of Customs recently held a meeting with top executives from Philip Morris International and Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation. Rubio stated that they will work together to ensure public health safety and fair tobacco trade.

He stated, "It has always been our goal and mission - to ensure that these smugglers are held accountable, prosecute them, and ultimately make them face the consequences of their malicious activities.

We must recognize that these (plans) not only pose very real threats but are also meticulously orchestrated schemes designed to circumvent our laws," said Verne Enciso, Director of the Philippine Bureau of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services.

Reference:

[1] BOC partners with tobacco firms vs. illicit trade