Joint operatives of the Bureau of Customs and the Philippine Coast Guard have raided a warehouse in Bgy. Cuta, Batangas City and discovered counterfeit cigarettes worth P16.5 million.
The seized cigarette carried the brands Two Moon, Carnival, New Orleans, Journey, B&P, and President.
The customs said the cigarettes were confiscated due to lack of required tax stamps and graphic health warnings that are mandatory for legally produced and tax-paid tobacco products.
The owner of the warehouse will face charges under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, specifically for offenses such as unlawful importation of infringing products, as well as misdeclaration, misclassification, and undervaluation.
Customs Deputy Commissioner Teddy Raval said charges against violators include imprisonment for up to 40 years and fines amounting to P50 million.
“Operations against agricultural, fuel, and tobacco smuggling are included in the enforcement priorities of the agency under the direction of Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio,” Raval said.