BIR cracks down on illicit cigarette trade in Palawan

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BROOKE’S POINT, Palawan — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) conducted a significant raid on seven makeshift warehouses on May 1, 2024, seizing 227,351 packs of illicit cigarettes valued at approximately PHP 150 million in tax liabilities.

The operation highlights the agency’s ongoing crackdown on the illegal cigarette and vape trade across the Philippines, including areas like Palawan known for such illicit activities.

BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. emphasized the scale of the government’s efforts to curb this illegal trade.

“Whether the illicit trade is in Palawan or in Metro Manila, we will pursue them,” Lumagui said. The raid involved collaboration with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Customs (BOC), and the Department of Health (DOH).

The operation led to the identification of eight individuals who were confirmed to be in possession of the illegal products. They will face criminal charges under various sections of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997, as amended, which include serious offenses related to the illegal possession and trade of tobacco products.

Commissioner Lumagui further declared a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal vaping and cigarette sales.

“Illegal vape and cigarettes have no place in the New Philippines. The New BIR will comb through the Philippines to find and charge all those selling illegal vapes and cigarettes. Pay the correct taxes,” he warned.

This raid is part of a broader, whole-of-government approach to combating illicit trade, a directive from the President aiming to ensure compliance and enhance tax collection from regulated goods.