Palauig:Zambales Approximately 1,600 master cases of cigarettes without the necessary Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) tax stamps, valued at PHP175 million, have been discovered at a private port and compound in Zambales, as reported by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Saturday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the items were located inside four shipping containers during an interagency operation conducted in Palauig town on October 20. The initial inspection revealed a strong scent of tobacco emanating from the containers, leading to the discovery of cigarettes branded as 'Modern' that were lacking BIR tax stamps.

The shipment is now in the custody of the BOC, with the containers resealed and padlocked pending further investigation and a final inventory. The BOC also stated that the verification and documentation of the discovered cigarettes are ongoing, which will form the basis for appropriate action and the determination of liability for those involved.

In alignment with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to enhance the campaign against smuggling, the BOC has committed to strengthening coordination with partner agencies and improving surveillance at ports and cargo storage facilities. BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the commitment to prevent tax-evading shipments from slipping through and to intensify monitoring efforts to protect public funds and support law-abiding businesses.

The operation was led by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service and Enforcement and Security Service, along with the Philippine Coast Guard Task Force Aduana, Philippine National Police-Central Luzon, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Additional security was provided by the 69th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.