A series of operations conducted by the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) Manila International Container Port-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (MICP-CIIS) in the previous week led to the discovery of P1.944 billion worth of dried tobacco, fake goods, used clothing, and other items in several warehouses in the province of Bulacan.

The operations in the subject warehouses in Guiguinto, Bulacan took three days to finish with the team led by the MICP-CIIS and support from the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

“Big operations like these take a lot of time and resources but as a testament to the enduring commitment of our officers, we were able to inspect many warehouses in three days and held billion worth of imported goods being stored there for presentation of proof of payment of correct duties and taxes and its legitimate importation,” BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said.

The first operation conducted on November 6, 2024, uncovered various stored imported goods—including used clothing, shoes, counterfeit branded item, among others—worth an estimated P1.25 billion.

Follow-up inspection of another warehouse on November 8, 2024, also resulted in the discovery of dried tobacco in sacks and cigarette filter rods that can make P694.4 million worth of approximately 6,944 mastercases cigarettes.

The warehouse owners and operators were given 15 days from the service of the LOA to submit documents to show that the subject imported goods were legitimately imported and that correct duties and taxes were duly paid pursuant to Section 224 of Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

“An operation can only be truly successful if we are able to file and pursue cases against these individuals and organizations. For that to happen, we make sure to follow the proper rules and procedures, including the courtesy we extend to the owners of these goods to provide us proof that these did not enter the country illegally,” said Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy.

However, failure to present the proper documents will lead to charges for violation of Section 117 (regulated importation and exportation) and Section 1400 (misdeclaration in goods declaration) in relation to Section 1113 (property subject to seizure and forfeiture) of the CMTA.

As warranted by the gathered evidence, they will also face charges in accordance with Republic Act 8293, otherwise known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines and Republic Act 10963, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN Law). Further cases will also be filed against the owners of the subject dried tobacco products if found illegally imported in violation of the newly signed Republic Act (RA) No. 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

The law classifies agricultural smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and engaging in a cartel as economic sabotage.

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