MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has confiscated 11.5 million packs of illicit cigarettes with an estimated tax deficiency of P8.54 billion.
The BIR simultaneously raided a factory in Bulacan and three warehouses in Valenzuela City where illicit cigarettes and unregistered machines were found on Nov. 6.
The raided establishments are believed to be part of a criminal ring, the BIR said.
BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui said this was the largest illicit cigarette operation conducted this year.
The agency also confiscated raw materials, cigarette-making and packing machines.
Six Chinese nationals were arrested during the operation.
The BIR continues to target large-scale cigarette traders as the government is losing billions in taxes from the illicit trade of the commodity.