THE Port of Subic announced the completion of its destruction of some P38 million worth of smuggled cigarettes at an accredited rendering facility in Marilao, Bulacan.
District Collector Maritess Martin, in a report to Bureau of Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero, said the condemnation last April 19, 2022, at the Malia 7 Waste Collection Services involved the incineration of the smuggled cigarettes consigned to ‘Subic Red Dragon that arrived last year on board a 1×40 container van.
Witnessing the destruction are representatives from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, the Department of Trade and Industry and industry players, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) and Philip Morris International (PMFTC).
Martin assured the public that the Port will remain vigilant in protecting the country’s borders against the proliferation of illicit goods.
For his part, Guerrero has a standing order that all smuggled cigarettes should be immediately destroyed after proper documentation to prevent pilferage and theft.