Cigarette importers face smuggling raps
Photo Credit: Bureau of Customs
The Bureau of Customs has filed criminal complaints against three importers for attempting to smuggle cigarettes into the country by misdeclaring their shipments.
The Bureau’s Action Team Against Smugglers (BATAS) filed the criminal charges before the Department of Justice on September 4.
Charges were filed against Caliente Empezar Ventures Inc. for alleged unlawful importation of counterfeit cigarettes. The shipment, which arrived at the Port of Subic last June 25, was declared as LED lights and accessories.
A criminal complaint was also filed against Golden Aark Enterprises over alleged misdeclaration of several containers of cigarettes as tissue paper. The shipments arrived on different days in July at the Port of Davao.
Smuggling charges were also filed against GRR Trading for the alleged unlawful importation of several containers of cigarettes that arrived at the Cebu International Port last August 8, 13, and 19, 2020. The shipments were also seized for misdeclaration.
BATAS said the importers violated Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and relevant National Tobacco Administration (NTA) regulations on the importation of tobacco products.
In addition, charges for violation of Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines were filed against Caliente Empezar Ventures Inc. for unlawfully importing counterfeit cigarettes.
BATAS said 39 cases so far have been filed before the Department of Justice against importers and customs brokers for violation of customs laws, rules and regulations.
The Bureau’s Action Team Against Smugglers (BATAS) filed the criminal charges before the Department of Justice on September 4.
Charges were filed against Caliente Empezar Ventures Inc. for alleged unlawful importation of counterfeit cigarettes. The shipment, which arrived at the Port of Subic last June 25, was declared as LED lights and accessories.
A criminal complaint was also filed against Golden Aark Enterprises over alleged misdeclaration of several containers of cigarettes as tissue paper. The shipments arrived on different days in July at the Port of Davao.
Smuggling charges were also filed against GRR Trading for the alleged unlawful importation of several containers of cigarettes that arrived at the Cebu International Port last August 8, 13, and 19, 2020. The shipments were also seized for misdeclaration.
BATAS said the importers violated Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and relevant National Tobacco Administration (NTA) regulations on the importation of tobacco products.
In addition, charges for violation of Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines were filed against Caliente Empezar Ventures Inc. for unlawfully importing counterfeit cigarettes.
BATAS said 39 cases so far have been filed before the Department of Justice against importers and customs brokers for violation of customs laws, rules and regulations.
