MEXICO, Pampanga – Joint operatives of various units of the Burau of Customs in in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group raided a warehouse in Barangay Panipuan here on Jan. 29 which was found to be engaged in unauthorized production of cigarettes.
Initial investigations indicate that the warehouse was operating as an alleged illicit cigarette manufacturing plant with no valid permits or authority to locally manufacture cigarettes. Authorities discovered allegedly locally manufactured cigarettes branded as “Two Moon,” along with cigarette-making machines and manufacturing paraphernalia bearing the brands Mighty, H&P, Playboy, and Carnival, indicating on-site production activities. In addition to the finished products and machinery, operatives recovered tax stamps that will undergo verification by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to determine if they are counterfeit.
The BOC also noted that the cigarette brands found at the Panipuan facility are the same as those seized in a massive enforcement operation in Batangas last December 31 from unattended trucks and a container van.
The cigarette-making machines and raw materials found on site are alleged to be smuggled, as these were not covered by any import permits or proper customs documentation.
Also found inside the premises were six male Chinese nationals, 52 male Filipino nationals, and 11 female Filipino nationals believed to be involved in the illegal operation. The BOC is coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration to verify the legal status and documentation of the foreign nationals.
Inventory and valuation of the seized cigarettes, raw materials, and equipment are ongoing to determine the total quantity, value, and corresponding duties, taxes, and penalties, as well as possible violations of customs, tax, immigration, and other related laws.
BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno stressed the significance of the operation in protecting the public and the economy. “Illicit cigarette manufacturing undermines legitimate businesses, deprives the government of much-needed revenues, and poses serious risks to public health. In line with the President’s directive, the Bureau of Customs will relentlessly pursue those involved in smuggling and illegal manufacturing through sustained enforcement and close coordination with our partner agencies.”
The BOC reiterated its commitment to intensifying enforcement actions against smuggling and illicit trade as part of the Marcos administration’s broader agenda of good governance, accountability, and economic protection. BOC-PR
