In a major operation, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has seized approximately PHP5.4 billion worth of illicit cigarettes from three warehouses in Cavite.

This is considered one of the largest operations against illicit goods in the history of the BIR.

The BIR, in a statement released on Monday, estimated that the confiscated cigarettes have resulted in a tax liability of PHP5.4 billion.

The items seized by the BIR personnel included master cases of cigarettes, sacks of tobacco, and counterfeit BIR stamps.

“This is one of the largest raids against illicit cigarettes in the history of the BIR, with an estimated total tax liability of PHP5.4 billion.

The BIR will continue to target these large-scale illicit cigarette traders. We advise everyone to register their cigarette operations with the BIR and to pay the proper excise taxes on those products,” said BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr.

He further added, “The BIR aims to protect legitimate businesses. So, if you register and pay your proper taxes, your businesses will be compliant. We want a level playing field, so we protect registered businesses and raid illicit trade.”

The culprits who own the warehouses in Dasmariñas and Indang, Cavite, will face criminal and civil cases for violating the National Revenue Code.