In a significant move against smuggling, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Caraga Region destroyed over PHP219 million worth of illicit cigarettes. The destruction took place in Butuan City on February 24, 2025, at the Richmond Plywood Corporation in Purok 1, Barangay Mahogany. A total of 337,644 packs of smuggled cigarettes, which had been seized in various operations throughout the previous year, were incinerated under the supervision of RR-17 Director Jose Eric Furia. Furia emphasized that the successful confiscation of these contrabands was a testament to the collaborative efforts of multiple government agencies in their ongoing battle against smuggling. Representatives from the Environmental Management Bureau, Department of Health, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Commission on Audit were present to witness the destruction. Furia stressed the importance of vigilance in combating smuggling activities within the region and acknowledged the crucial role played by the private sector in supporting these efforts.
