Bureau of Customs – Port of Subic and the Intelligence Group seized another 3×40’ container shipments carrying around 3,160 Master Cases of illicit cigarettes with an estimated value of Php 131.14 Million last July 04, 2022.

As a result of the intensive profiling of shipments with similar declarations and after being suspected to contain illicit cigarettes, Coll. Maritess T. Martin ordered the immediate issuance of Pre-Lodgment Control Orders against the said shipments consigned to Russhi Knish Consumer and Proline Logistics.

Physical examination yielded 3,160 Master Cases of assorted Cigarette products. The brands of the said cigarettes are not included in the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) List of Registered Importers of Cigarette Brands.

Subsequently, a Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued against the shipments for violation of National Tobacco Administration (NTA) Memorandum Circular No. 03 series of 2004, NTA Board Resolution No. 079-2005, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 79-2022, concerning Section 1113 (f) of the Republic Act No. 10863 otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

District Collector Martin and her team vowed that the Port would remain vigilant against unscrupulous importers to protect the country’s borders against the entry of illicit goods.