* EU seizes largest haul of smuggled cigarettes from RP

[Kano]

EU seizes largest haul of smuggled cigarettes from RP



Manila Times, 17 November 2009


IRISH authorities seized some P120-million worth of smuggled cigarettes that reportedly came from the Philippines through the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The aborted smuggling attempt prompted the European Union (EU) to seek the help of the Philippine government, through the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG), in tracing the origin of the contraband.

Records showed that Ireland Republic seized general cargo vessel MV Anne Scan after it arrived at the Port of Greenore. It was found carrying contraband cigarettes that were misdeclared as animal feeds. The vessel allegedly sailed from the Philippines on September 15.

The contraband was considered the largest single seizure of cigarettes ever made in the EU.

“These were obviously destined for the Christmas market and if they had not been seized, there would have been a loss of legitimate income to the state,” said Dermot Ahern, spokesman for the EU Minister of Justice.

European authorities said the cigarettes would have been sold for 50 million euro, which would represent a revenue loss of about 40 million euro in taxes and excise duties.

Ireland Customs officials said they waited until the consignment was delivered to an importer before they raided the warehouse in the Co Louth area, just south of the border with Northern Ireland.
PASG head, Undersecretary Antonio “Bebot” Villar Jr., said the Philippine-Europe joint investigation commenced after European Anti Fraud Office (OLAF) Investigations and Operations head Austin Rowan requested the assistance of Philippine Ambassador Cristina Ortega.

Villar has assigned PASG-Task Force Subic Deputy Director Edmund Arugay, who is also concurrent deputy director of National Bureau of Investigation, as head of the Philippine probe panel.

According to Arugay, initial investigation revealed several names of businessmen operating in Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Working with PASG are two investigators from OLAF and two from Ireland’s Customs Service.