The Bureau of Customs-Port of Subic seized another container of smuggled cigarettes from Singapore valued at P46.28 million.

The Port received derogatory information on the said shipment, which prompted the issuance of a Pre-Lodgement Control Order. A total of 1,122 master cases of Marvels Filter Cigarettes declared as fabrics were discovered upon physical examination.

Further investigation showed that the consignee, Proline Logistics Philippines Inc., was not a registered SBMA locator of foreign cigarettes and tobacco products. It was also not included in the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) List of Registered Importers of Cigarette Brands.

Maritess T. Martin, District Collector of the Port, issued a warrant of seizure and detention against the shipment for violation of National Tobacco Administration (NTA) Memorandum Circular No. 03 and Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization Tariff Act.

Last month, the Port seized two shipments amounting to P84.97 million from the same consignee.

Martin said the Port of Subic would continue strengthening its border protection efforts against the entry of illicit goods into the country.