P2-B worth of smuggled cigarettes seized in 317 ops — Customs

Authorities have seized P2 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes in 317 operations, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported Sunday.

During an interview with Super Radyo DZBB, BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said that the operations were conducted in areas including Mindanao and Central Luzon.

He said illegal cigarettes in the country can enter the country via  international ports, shores without Customs coverage, or via local manufacturing.

“Bukod sa delikado ito sa kalusugan, ang estimate na nawawala sa bansa mahigit P30 billion,” Nepomucano said.

(Aside from being dangerous to health, the estimated loss to the country exceeds P30 billion.)

He added that taxes collected from the tobacco industry are used by the Department of Health.

In February, authorities seized over P400 million worth of equipment used to process illicit cigarettes from four warehouses in Pampanga. —RF, GMA Integrated News