At least ₱900 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and other fake goods were seized after an inspection in some warehouses in Plaridel, Bulacan, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said on Monday, May 29.

In a statement, BOC Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) Director Alvin Enciso, who supervised the inspection, said the warehouses are now temporarily padlocked and was shut down.

He said they have required the owners of the seized smuggled cigarettes and goods to present importation documentation or proof of payment.

If proper documentation is not found, the BOC official said they will initiate seizure and forfeiture proceedings against the subject shipments for violating Section 1400 (misdeclaration in goods declaration) in relation to Section 1113 (property subject to seizure and forfeiture) under Republic Act 10863 or also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

The inspection was carried out after BOC Commissioner Bien Rubio issued a Letter of Authority (LOA) and Mission Order (MO) on May 26 to a team comprised of BOC CIIS-MI, Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

BOC Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of appropriate collaboration from relevant government departments for a successful operation against smuggled goods.

Written By Dana Ebreo, DZRH News Online Intern