THE Bureau of Customs-Enforcement and Security Service (BOC-ESS) has intercepted more than P160 million worth of fake cigarettes, cigarette-making machines and other smuggled goods stored inside warehouses in Bulacan recently.
Armed with Letters of Authority (LOAs) issued by the Office of the Commissioner, customs agents from ESS, headed by Director Yogi Filemon Ruiz, went to the subject warehouses located in Marilao and Sta. Maria, Bulacan to conduct investigation and examination.
Found inside the warehouse in Benedicto Street, Prenza Uno, Marilao, Bulacan were 1,339 master cases of fake Mighty, Fortune, Hope, Belmont, Marlboro, Modern, Double Happiness and Camel cigarettes valued at P40 million.
Subsequently, nine cigarette-making machines and fake cigarette tax stamps worth P120 million were discovered inside a warehouse in Kaybanto, Caysio Road, Brgy. Caysio, Sta. Maria, Bulacan. Other seized items include imported drinking glasses and wall clocks.
Warrants of Seizure and Detention (WSDs) will be issued against the items pursuant to Section 1113 of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act in relation to Section 1401, thereof and RA 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.
These series of apprehensions are the results of a more tightened enforcement operations being conducted by BOC operatives. (AP)