Customs seizes record P19 billion worth of smuggled goods in Q1

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) confiscated a record P19 billion worth of smuggled goods during the first quarter of the year as the entry of illegal items into the country remains a problem.

During the Laging Handa briefing yesterday, BOC assistant commissioner and spokesperson Vincent Philip Maronilla said the total value of smuggled goods seized by the agency reached P19.22 billion in the January to March period.

“This is the biggest haul in terms of value that the BOC has seized in recent history,” Maronilla said.

For the first quarter, illegal items caught by the BOC included drugs, agricultural products and other items.

“Right now, what we are confiscating are those profitable goods such as cigarettes, agriculture products and intellectual property rights products that violate existing brands,” Maronilla said.

“These significantly affect the economy as legitimate brands invest their capital in the country to do business and provide jobs,” he said.

Maronilla said the proliferation of counterfeit goods could discourage investors from pouring in resources into the country.

“This is why the BOC will continue to strengthen our fight against smuggling in all forms,” he said.

Just recently, BOC led an initiative to combat smuggling by boosting cooperation among national law enforcement agencies and enhancing border protection measures against smuggling.

The BOC said it would continue to provide efficient mechanisms for trade facilitation while recognizing the need for strict implementation of laws concerning border control.

It maintained that the promotion of economic growth and development in the country should be of utmost consideration in balancing its functions of border control and revenue collection.