BIR confiscates over P516-M illicit cigarettes 

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) confiscated illicit cigarettes with an estimated excise tax deficiency of P516,795,424.60 during an operation in Valenzuela City. 

The operation stemmed from verified information relayed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government to the BIR, prompting Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza to immediately direct the issuance of Mission Orders for field verification and enforcement.

Operatives from BIR Revenue Region No. 5 proceeded to the reported location in Valenzuela City. 

During the operation, a total of 1,274 master cases of illicit cigarettes were discovered and seized. 

These items were found to be non-compliant with the mandatory Internal Revenue Stamp requirement under the Tax Code, which indicated the non-payment of excise taxes.

According to the BIR, the operation marks another major victory in the agency’s ongoing fight against the illicit cigarette trade. —LDF, GMA Integrated News