The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) seized 45,521 packs of illicit cigarettes in a massive, simultaneous enforcement operation across multiple regions starting this week.
The operation, conducted in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), targeted the sale and distribution of tobacco products lacking proof of excise tax payment.
The crackdown resulted in an estimated total tax liability of Php 40,547,388.66, a figure that includes basic taxes, surcharges, penalties, and interest. Enforcement teams acting on verified intelligence were deployed to various areas, including the City of Manila, Quezon City, and several regions across Luzon, such as CAMANAVA, Bulacan, Central Luzon, and the CaBaMiRo and LaQueMar districts.
Significant seizures also took place in the eastern and southern portions of the National Capital Region, covering cities such as Pasig, Taguig, and Parañaque, as well as the province of Palawan.
According to the BIR, the confiscated cigarettes were found to be non-compliant with the mandatory Internal Revenue Stamp requirement under the Tax Code. This lack of stamping serves as evidence that the required excise taxes were not paid to the government.
All seized items are currently in government custody for official inventory and valuation as authorities prepare to initiate formal administrative and criminal proceedings against the violators.
The BIR stated that these actions are part of an intensified drive to combat the illicit tobacco trade and tax evasion under its “Revenue Base Protection” reform agenda. The bureau warned taxpayers involved in the manufacture or distribution of untaxed cigarettes that they will face heightened surveillance and immediate enforcement action.
The agency pledged that it will sustain coordinated efforts with law enforcement partners to protect legitimate businesses and secure government revenues intended for public services.