(Photo courtesy of BOC)
MANILA – Smuggled cigarettes with an estimate value of PHP38.1 million were seized Friday by the Bureau of Customs-Manila International Container Port (BOC-MICP).
Alvin Enciso, chief of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP), said in a statement on Sunday that the shipment was subjected to a full physical examination after the issuance of a pre-lodgment control order (PLCO) by MICP District Collector Romeo Allan Rosales.
“There was already derogatory information before the lodgment of goods declaration. That was the basis of the PLCO. We acted on it based on the information that we received,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
The shipment of 1,090 master cases of Marvel, Mighty, and Astro, among others, was consigned to Green Nature Alliance Ventures.
It was declared as packaging material from China.
A warrant of seizure and detention was issued after the examination.
Charges will be filed for possible violations of Section 1400 in relation to Section 1113 of Republic Act 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and the National Tobacco Authority regulations and circulars.
The issuance of PLCO was implemented by BOC Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero to ensure that the proper method of valuation of goods is observed. (PNA)
