The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) seized 227,351 packs of illegal cigarettes near Brooke’s Point, Palawan.
Three containers from Singapore arrived at Manila International Container Port (BOC-MICP) carrying an estimated P791 million in illicit cigarettes and vape goods of various brands.
According to the BIR, the illicit cigarettes, with a tax liability of P150.6 million, were seized from the pitting improvised warehouses during a raid on May 1, 2024.
According to the BIR, eight people had illegal contraband and will be charged with a violation of the National Internal Revenue Code.
The arrest is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to coordinate efforts across the government in the fight against illegal trade.
“The BIR is continuous in its war against illicit vape and cigarette trade all over the Philippines. Whether the illicit trade is in Palawan or Metro Manila, we will pursue them,” said Romeo Lumagui, Jr., commissioner of the BIR. Aileen Lor
