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Tag: crackdown

  • Philippines Cracking Down on Illegal Cigarettes, Criminals

    Philippines Cracking Down on Illegal Cigarettes, Criminals

    The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines filed tax evasion charges totaling nearly ₱797 million ($14.3 million) against individuals involved in the large-scale illegal cigarette trade, intensifying its crackdown on illicit tobacco and vape operations. BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. announced that the charges stemmed from two recent raids.

    In Valenzuela City, authorities seized 600 master cases of untaxed cigarettes from a warehouse, with estimated tax liabilities of ₱200.7 million ($3.6 million). The lessee of the facility now faces criminal charges.

    A separate raid in San Rafael, Bulacan, uncovered an illegal cigarette factory allegedly operated by a Chinese national. The BIR recovered 7,884 master cases of illicit cigarettes and manufacturing equipment, worth ₱596.2 million ($10.7 million). The suspect also faces human trafficking charges after 155 workers were rescued from the facility.

    In a third similar bust, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) arrested five individuals in Sta. Cruz, Manila, for allegedly selling unregistered vape products online. More than 25,000 vape units worth ₱8.16 million ($147,000) were confiscated in the joint operation, following test-buy and surveillance efforts. The suspects face charges for violating trade and consumer protection laws.

  • China Tackles North Korean Cigarette Bootleggers 

    China Tackles North Korean Cigarette Bootleggers 

    Chinese authorities have intensified their crackdown on smuggled North Korean cigarettes, one of Pyongyang’s primary illicit exports, causing the distribution network to shrink dramatically, Daily NK has learned. Although secretly distributed in China for years and popular among local consumers for their value, the contraband cigarettes now face serious challenges as distributors and sellers are being arrested or fined.

    “This month alone, three Chinese dealers handling North Korean cigarettes were arrested for smuggling,” a Daily NK source in North Pyongan province said recently. “Distribution has virtually stopped as Chinese authorities target mail and parcel services in Liaoning and Jilin provinces.”

    About 20 cigarette brands from North Korea’s major tobacco factories—including Yalu River Cigarette Company, Pyongyang Unha Tobacco Factory, and Naegohyang Tobacco Factory—were being sold secretly in Chinese markets.

    North Korean cigarettes match Chinese luxury brands in quality but cost less, making them consistently popular among Chinese smokers. Despite prices nearly doubling since pre-COVID times, they remain cheaper than local alternatives, maintaining steady demand. The situation changed abruptly when China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration partnered with police to intensify operations against illicit North Korean cigarette imports and distribution. Those caught distributing or selling the contraband now face substantial fines or prison sentences. 

    “Chinese traders now avoid cigarettes as police raid warehouses and seize stores based on tip-offs,” the source explained. “With 200,000 yuan  ($28,000) fines and threats of being treated like drug dealers, traders are either complaining or quitting the business.”