Customs seizes P15-M assorted cigarettes

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) seized on Wednesday a 40-foot container van allegedly loaded with 1,000 boxes of cigarettes worth P15 million at the Port of Manila. According to CIIS-POM officer-in-charge (OIC) Johnny Martinez, the shipment was allegedly misdeclared as natural handmade bird toys and Philippine handicrafts made of coconut shells. Inspection of the shipment, however, revealed various brands of cigarettes. Documents show that the cargo is for export to Le Havre, France. The shipper of the items is reportedly listed as Asian Pebbles Export Trading of Binhepco Plaza, General Tirona Hi-way, Habay 1, Bacoor, Cavite. The consignee, on the other hand, is allegedly listed as Aninat Animalerie and Nature Zone of Industriale Rue De La Marine, 94290 Villeneuve Le Roi, France. According to CIIS Director Filomeno Vicencio, Jr., the representatives of Japan Tobacco Co., and Philip Morris Philippines, the manufacturers of Camel and Marlboro cigarettes respectively, were present during the viewing of the seized items Wednesday morning. The firms are contemplating in filing charges against the shipper and the consignee. Vicencio said a memorandum of agreement states that illegal shipments of tobacco products must be destroyed. However, he said they do not want the items to be put to waste and they are looking to put these up for auction to gain additional revenue for the bureau. Vicencio said they will investigate Customs personnel, particularly from the export division, to find out how the alleged shipper obtained documentations for the cargo. He said cigarettes from the country are being exported to France, where tobacco products are expensive. One pack reportedly costs P600 to P700 each. The shipment violated Customs Memorandum Order 20-2006, which prohibits the exportation of tobacco products marked with “For Domestic Sale Only." The alleged shipper also failed to obtain the required Export Clearance Certificate from the National Tobacco Administration in violation of the “Amended Rules and Regulations Governing the Exportation and Importation of Leaf Tobacco and Tobacco Products. –VVP, GMANews.TV