The government’s two largest revenue-generating agencies reported over the weekend their most recent seizure activities which involve illicit cigarettes and illegal drugs.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), in a statement, said it conducted a raid late Thursday evening in two warehouses located in Quezon City and Caloocan City which led to the discovery of illicit cigarettes with total estimated tax liabilities of P838 million.
Specifically, the BIR seized 1.31 million packs of counterfeit and illicit cigarettes.
“This BIR raid of two illicit cigarette warehouses in Quezon and Caloocan City shows our commitment to fight illicit trade,” BIR commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said.
“The BIR welcomes all informants, whether from the public or private sector, who can provide information on possible targets,” he added
The illicit traders responsible for the two warehouses violated several sections of the National Internal Revenue Code, the BIR said.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) successfully intercepted parcels containing illegal drugs at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City, also last September 12.
In a separate statement, the BOC said a thorough physical examination revealed a total of 4,877 grams of kush (high-grade marijuana) from four parcels with a total estimated street value of P6.84 million, and seven vape cartridges containing cannabis oil with an estimated street value of P11,760.
All confiscated drugs are now in the custody of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the consignees will be subjected to further investigation and filing of charges under Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
BOC commissioner Bienvenido Rubio reiterated the agency’s dedication to protecting the country from illegal substances, stating, “Our resolve to prevent the entry of illegal drugs into the Philippines is stronger than ever. This operation highlights our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our communities.”
