CUSTOMS SEIZES CIGARETTES SMUGGLED FROM CHINA

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Monday seized two container vans filled with smuggled cigarettes worth PHP45 million at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

Alvin Enciso, chief of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) at the MICP, said the shipment was declared as containing bicycles and folding tables.

However, upon thorough inspection conducted, the BOC found several cartons of smuggled cigarettes such as Fortune Menthol 100s, according to a PNA report

“We found the cigarettes concealed in the bikes and tables. There are appropriate charges for a case like this, and we will make sure that whoever Is responsible will be held accountable,” he said in a statement.

Customs officers conducted a full examination after MICP District Collector Romeo Allan Rosales issued Pre Lodgment Control Order (PLCO) against the shipment.

This came after the CIIS-MICP received information that the shipment of JDR General Merchandise that arrived on March 15 from Shenzen, China was suspected to contain smuggled cigarettes.

“These will be transferred to the Designated Examination Area for its 100 percent physical examination and inventory to determine the actual count of master cases,” Enciso added.

Enciso said the smuggling of cigarettes into the country violates Section 1400 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, which refers to the misdeclaration and misclassification of goods resulting in a deficiency in the payment of duties and taxes.

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