Pampanga: Bureau of Customs (BOC) operatives on Wednesday raided a warehouse in Mexico, Pampanga, which was found to be engaged in the unauthorized local production of cigarettes. The operation was conducted following a derogatory report the BOC received regarding the warehouse located at Barangay Panipuan.
According to Philippines News Agency, initial findings indicated that the warehouse was operating as an alleged illicit cigarette manufacturing plant without valid permits or authority to manufacture cigarettes locally, the BOC said in a statement Thursday. Authorities discovered allegedly locally manufactured cigarettes branded as 'Two Moon,' along with cigarette-making machines and manufacturing paraphernalia bearing the brands Mighty, H and P, Playboy, and Carnival, indicating onsite production activities.
Found inside the premises were individuals believed to be involved in the illegal operation, composed of six male Chinese nationals, 52 male Filipino nationals, and 11 female Filipino nationals. The BOC said it is coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration to verify the legal status and documentation of the foreign nationals.
The BOC noted that the brands discovered are the same brands recently apprehended in a separate enforcement operation in Batangas, indicating a possible link in the distribution and supply chain of illicit cigarettes currently under investigation. The cigarette-making machines and raw materials found on site are alleged to be smuggled, as these were not covered by any import permits or proper customs documentation.
Scattered within the compound were tax stamps, which are now subject to verification by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to determine their authenticity and compliance with excise tax laws, in light of the suspected unauthorized local production. Inventory and valuation of the seized cigarettes, raw materials, and equipment are ongoing to determine the total quantity and value, as well as the corresponding duties, taxes, penalties, and possible violations of customs, tax, immigration, and other related laws.
