P66 million fake cigarettes seized

MANILA, Philippines — Fake cigarettes worth at least P66 million have been seized by agents of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Subic, Zambales.

The cigarettes arrived at the Port of Subic in two separate shipments on  May 19, according to BOC district collector Maritess Martin.

The first shipment, which was misdeclared as pairs of shoes, was reportedly consigned to RNRS Trading.

The second was consigned to Heybronze Non-Specialized Wholesale Trading.

The cigarettes – bearing the brands Marvels Menthol, Marvels Filter, Two Moon Filter, Two Moon Menthol, Fort Menthol 100’s, Mighty Menthol, Champion and Jackpot – were discovered during an inspection conducted by BOC personnel.

The shipments were issued seizure and detention warrants on Friday for violation of the National Tobacco Administration memorandum circular, Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines and Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.