BIR Seizes Illicit Cigarettes Worth PHP252 Million in Davao City

Davao City – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) reported the confiscation of 717 master cases or 358,500 packs of illicit cigarettes in Davao City, with an estimated tax liability of PHP252 million. The seizure occurred last week in a joint enforcement operation with the Naval Forces of Eastern Mindanao Command based in Davao City.

According to Philippines News Agency, The BIR, in its statement on Tuesday, revealed that brands such as Canon, GreenHill, and Bros were identified as being smuggled into the Philippines without proper payment of excise taxes. The BIR expressed its commitment to continuing its crackdown on illicit tobacco traders and smugglers to protect compliant taxpayers and prosecute those engaged in illegal trade.

Additionally, the BIR conducted another operation on November 8, resulting in the seizure of 51 master cases or 25,500 packs of smuggled New Orleans cigarettes, estimated to have tax liabilities of PHP17.9 million. This operation, a joint effort of the Davao City Police Office Police Station 6 and Task Force Davao, also led to the arrest of two suspects during a random checkpoint in Barangay San Isidro, Bunawan town.