MANILA -- As part of the Bureau of Customs' (BOC) commitment to border security, the Port of Subic seized smuggled and suspected fake cigarettes on August 13, 2021.
Through the issuance of Pre-lodgment Control Order (PLCO) ordered by Port of Subic District Collector Maritess Martin, the shipment which was suspected to originate from Cambodia and was consigned to a certain Shemala International Comml Equipment Wholesaling was subjected to 100% physical examination.
The examination revealed the presence of 995 master cases of cigarettes with brands such as Mighty, Fortune, Two Moon and Marlboro and was estimated to have a value of P48 Million.
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) was issued against the shipment by Collector Martin for the possible violation of National Tobacco Administration (NTA) Memorandum Circular No. 03 series of 2004 and NTA Board resolution No. 079-2005 and Sec. 155 of R.A. No. 8293 (Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines) and Sec. 1400, in relation to Section 1113 (f) of Republic Act No. 10863 otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
In her statement, Collector Martin assured that smuggling of any form is not allowed in the Port. She further stressed that would be smugglers attempting unscrupulous activities in the Port shall face the full force of the law.
