BOC busts P46.28-M smuggled cigarettes in Subic

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intercepted smuggled cigarettes worth P46.28 million at the Port of Subic in Zambales.

In a statement Thursday, the BOC said the seized shipment arrived from Singapore and was misdeclared as fabric. It was consigned to Proline Logistics Philippines Inc.

The Port received derogatory information on the freight goods, the BOC said, prompting authorities to issue a Pre-Lodgement Control Order against it. Physical examination found out that it contains 1,122 master cases of Marvels filter cigarettes.

Further investigation on the consignee also showed it is not a registered locator of foreign cigarettes and tobacco products in Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and is not included in the Bureau of Internal Revenue List of Registered Importers of Cigarette Brands.

Port District Collector Maritess Martin immediately issued a warrant of seizure and detention against the shipment for violating the National Tobacco Administration Memorandum Circular No. 03 and Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization Tariff Act.

The BOC said this was not the first time Proline Logistics Philippines Inc. violated the customs laws. In July, the Subic Port also seized two illegal shipments consigned to it, valued at P84.97 million.—Sundy Locus/AOL, GMA News