The Bureau of Customs destroyed smuggled counterfeit cigarettes valued at P90 million seized in Cebu city.
Port of Cebu deputy district collector Marc Anthony Patriarca said the cigarettes bearing “Mighty”, “Marvels” and “Fort” brands were seized last June 2021 along with two separate shipments from China and declared as table panels, cabinets, and chairs.
“We have partnered with Taiheiyo Cement Philippines Inc. (TCPI) for the use of its facilities to dispose of forfeited cigarettes through burning in the furnaces of cement plants”, Patriarca said.
TCPI’s Environment and Safety Officer Dwight Avila said that the condemnation process was strictly monitored to ensure compliance with existing environmental protocols.
Representatives of the brand owners Japan Tobacco International and Phillip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation were also present to witness the destruction of the fake cigarettes.
Last year, the Port of Cebu seized and destroyed eight shipments of counterfeit cigarettes worth P374 Million.
This latest condemnation of seized smuggled cigarettes is in line with the government’s anti-smuggling drive to immediately dispose of forfeited goods.