P6.5 billion vapes seized in 11 months – BOC

MANILA, Philippines — Smuggled vape products valued at P6.5 billion have been confiscated by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in a span of 11 months.

From October 2023 to August this year, 36 operations were conducted against illegal vape products, Customs Investigation Division chief Leon Mogao Jr. said on Saturday.

Most of the operations were conducted at the Port of Manila (POM), Manila International Container Port, Port of Clark and Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

These accomplishments underscore the BOC’s commitment to curbing smuggling activities and safeguarding consumers from unregulated and potentially harmful products, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said.

Meanwhile, smuggled white onions from China worth P2 million were seized recently at the POM.

Around 25,000 kilos of white onions arrived at the Manila port on Oct. 3, the BOC said yesterday.

The shipment did not have the required phytosanitary import clearance, the agency noted.