MANILA, Philippines — In a joint operation with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), through the Revenue Region No. 6-City of Manila and Palawan province, and its Regional Investigation Division (RID), moved against a large shipment of illicit cigarettes at the container yard of Carlos A. Gothong Lines, Inc. in North Harbor, Tondo, Manila, on June 22, 2026.
Acting on NBI intelligence, BIR Regional Director Remir Macatangay signed Mission Orders authorizing BIR RR6 RID personnel, together with NBI operatives, to inspect and effect the constructive seizure and detention of 22 container vans believed to be carrying illicit cigarettes without the required internal revenue stamps.
The BIR initially estimated the volume involved at approximately 30,800 master cases of illicit cigarettes.
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Of the 22 container vans seized, 10 have already been inspected and found to contain unstamped cigarettes, while the remaining containers are being inspected, verified, and inventoried.FEATURED STORIES
