Unstamped cigarette packs seized in Batangas

ShutterStock

MANILA — Over 42,000 packs of locally made and imported cigarettes without tax stamps were confiscated in Batangas City.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue on Friday said in a statement that the products were found in three establishments.

“Uncovered in the course of the extended search were imported cigarettes such as RGD, D&B and Farstar being sold but are not registered with the BIR for distribution or sale in the Philippines,” the BIR said.

BIR Commissioner Kim Henares ordered the operation to confiscate the said illegal products.

“The BIR will immediately collect deficiency excise tax on the confiscated cigarettes not bearing the required internal revenue stamp, impose administrative penalties, and file the necessary criminal action against the erring establishments,” it said.

The bureau added that the cigarettes confiscated bore the following brands: Champion Menthol, Dallas Filter King, Fortune International Extra, Marlboro Black, Marlboro Ice Blast, Marlboro Lights, Marvel Filter King, Pentagon, Westpoint Filter King, Winnsboro, and Winston Lights.