Fake cigarettes worth P12M seized in Davao

OVER P12 million worth of fake cigarettes stored in different warehouses in Davao City were recently seized by the Bureau of Customs–Enforcement Group (BOC-EG).

The operation, said to be the biggest haul of counterfeit cigarettes for this year, led to the confiscation of bogus packs of Marlboro, More, Fortune, Philip Morris, Jackpot, and Hope and other cigarette brands, with an estimated street value of P12,675,000.

“The widespread proliferation of fake cigarettes has flooded the local market. We cannot blame these retail stores for buying these counterfeit cigarettes since these are sold for a cheaper price. Why wouldn’t it be cheap? These suppliers import these cigarettes but do not pay proper taxes and duties,” Customs Deputy Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said in a statement.

Authorities brought samples of the seized items, which were believed to have been smuggled, to Phillip Morris Philippines, Inc. (PMFTC, Inc.) for inspection.

PMFTC, Inc. confirmed that the sample cigarettes were not produced by them or with their permission.

“We cannot afford to lose large government revenues, that’s why I always encourage my men to closely monitor all ports in the country to prevent cases like this,” Nepomuceno said.

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) was then served to HBTT Marketing Warehouse.

The WSD was issued for violation of Section 2530 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines for non-payment of duties and taxes, and in relation to the Intellectual Property Rights Law. (FP/Sunnex)