Clark customs destroys smuggled cigarette machines

CLARK FREEPORT — The Bureau of Customs-Port of Clark destroyed several units of smuggled cigarette manufacturing machines, counterfeit cigarette master cases and other packaging materials.

At least seven units of cigarette-making machines, one plastic recycling machine, one manual lifter, one generator set, and one generator cooling system that were seized on February 19, 2019 and forfeited on July 26, 2019 were destroyed on Monday, November 18. The forfeited items violated provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

On Tuesday, November 19, two sets of cigarette manufacturing machine, one set of semi-automatic strapping machine, plastic shredding facility, 145 cigarette master cases, packaging materials and tax stamps were also destroyed. These items were seized on March 5, 2018 and forfeited on August 6, 2019 for violation of the CMTA, Intellectual Property Rights Law, National Tobacco Administration Circular No. 3-2014, BOC Memorandum Circular No. 15-2015 and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Regulation No. 1-97.

The destruction of the smuggled items is part of BOC-Port of Clark’s efforts to prevent illicit trade and customs fraud.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1832692