The Bureau of Customs seized fake cigarettes and other smuggled goods worth more than P160 million stored inside several warehouses in Bulacan.
The Customs agents found fake Belmont, Camel, Double Happiness, Fortune, Hope, Marlboro, Modern, and Mighty cigarettes worth P40.12 million when they raided a warehouse along Bendicto Street, Prenza Uno, Marilao, Bulacan.
In another operation, the BOC confiscated nine cigarette-making machines and fake cigarette tax stamps worth P120 million inside a warehouse in Kaybanto, Caysio Road in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.
Other items seized by the government included imported drinking glasses and wall clocks.
“Warrants of Seizure and Detention [WSDs] will be issued against the subject items,” the BOC said, pointing to violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
The series of apprehensions are the results of a more tightened enforcement operations being conducted by BOC operatives.
Last year, the BOC also seized over P500 million worth of fake Mighty, Marlboro, Champion and Jackpot cigarettes in Quezon City and Caloocan, which had fake BIR stamps.