JTI seeks wider AI adoption in anti-smuggling efforts

MANILA, Philippines – Japan Tobacco International (JTI) is pushing for the wider usage of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to strengthen law enforcement efforts against illegal tobacco trade.

“In this new era of AI, we advocate for that a lot in the international forums as well, regional or even local forums, to enhance the use of AI tools in law enforcement, even if we refer to detection of suspicious containers,” JTI Regional Director for North Asia and South Asia Valentin Dinca said in an interview.

READ: PNP steps up crackdown on illegal cigarette trade after P799 M Negros bust

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Dinca said AI can detect anomalies in shipping documents, such as bills of lading, and trigger inspections and seizures of illicit tobacco products.

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Dinca said the Philippines, despite having one of the region’s strongest tobacco enforcement regimes, has room to further leverage technology.

“There is a room for improvement, not only regarding the Philippines, but regarding all law enforcement authorities in the region, to enhance the use of AI tools in their day-to-day work,” he told reporters.

Dinca described the Philippine National Police’s anti-illicit trade campaign as “phenomenal,” citing the seizure of P8.63 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes and manufacturing equipment as of June 16.

READ: P3 billion in smuggled cigarettes seized in Agusan del Norte

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Beyond intensified crackdowns, JTI is pushing for tighter export controls to curb the spread of smuggled tobacco products.

“We are pushing the implementation of the export control for the finished product to be implemented in the other countries, similar as in the Philippines,” Dinca said.

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“You have the packaging compliance for the destination market, and that’s something that should be replicated in all the other countries in order to ensure that the issue is addressed at the same level playing field,” he added.

The country loses P40 billion to P52 billion annually from smuggled and untaxed cigarettes, according to the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Likewise, the Department of Agriculture (DA) called for stronger coordination with industry and international partners to combat illegal tobacco trade.

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“All of us should work together hand in hand so that there will be stoppage of all these illegal illicit tobacco trade,” Navarro said in his speech during the 3rd International Tobacco Industry Summit in Pasig City last week. /pai INQ