By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Authorities have confiscated 22 container vans believed to be loaded with illicit cigarettes during a joint operation conducted by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) at North Harbor in Tondo, Manila.
The operation, carried out on Monday at the container yard of Carlos A. Gothong Lines Inc., uncovered what officials described as a significant volume of suspected untaxed tobacco products entering the domestic market.
Initial estimates from the BIR placed the shipment at around 30,800 master cases of cigarettes, making it one of the agency’s major anti-smuggling operations this year.
Revenue officials reported that 10 of the 22 seized container vans have already undergone inspection and were found to contain cigarette products lacking the mandatory internal revenue tax stamps required under Philippine law.
The remaining 12 containers are undergoing inventory, verification, and detailed examination to determine the full extent of the shipment.
Among the cigarette brands discovered during the inspection were Modern, Dani, Nise Baisha, H&P Aqua Blue, H&P Gold, H&P Red, BRO Red, and D&J Premium.
BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza said the operation underscores the agency’s intensified campaign against the illegal manufacture, importation, and distribution of excisable goods.
According to Mendoza, the illicit cigarette trade continues to deprive the government of substantial tax revenues while creating unfair competition for legitimate businesses that comply with tax regulations.
“We will continue strengthening our enforcement activities and coordination with partner agencies to curb the proliferation of illicit tobacco products in the country,” Mendoza said.
The BIR said the seized containers will remain under government custody while authorities complete the inspection and inventory process.
In coordination with the Bureau of Customs, the container vans will be placed under constructive seal and transferred to a secured area pending further verification and possible legal action against those responsible for the shipment.
Authorities have yet to disclose the identities of individuals or companies linked to the seized cargo as investigations continue.
The BIR reiterated its commitment to pursuing tax violators and protecting government revenues through sustained enforcement operations against illegal trade activities nationwide.
ia/xf
