MANILA — Acting on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for tougher action against smuggling, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized some P605.29 million worth of illicit cigarettes during an inspection of a warehouse in Plaridel, Bulacan.

The operation, conducted under a Letter of Authority following intelligence reports of suspicious activity, uncovered 8,647 master cases of imported cigarettes with markings from China and Vietnam. The cigarettes lacked Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) tax stamps and the mandated graphic health warnings.

BOC operatives led by LOA Team Leader IO3 Paul Pacunayen carried out the inspection with the BOC Intelligence and Enforcement Groups, the Intellectual Property Rights Division, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service–Manila International Container Port, and the Enforcement and Security Service–Port of Manila. They were assisted by the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police, and barangay officials of Bulihan, Plaridel.

Three individuals were apprehended during the raid and are now undergoing inquest proceedings before the Department of Justice. A Warrant of Seizure and Detention will be issued for violations of Section 263 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, the National Tobacco Administration’s Memorandum Circular No. 02, s.2020, and Section 1113 of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

The BOC said criminal complaints will also be filed against the registered owner and proprietor of the warehouse.

“Our proactive enforcement ensures that we are fully compliant with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to stop illicit cigarettes from infiltrating legitimate trade channels and protect the welfare of our citizen,” Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said.

The BOC affirmed its commitment to pursuing smugglers and illicit traders and enforcing the law “without compromise.”