P6.5 billion vapes seized in 11 months – BOC

Members of the Bureau of Customs-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (BOC-CIIS) inspect boxes of disposable e-cigarettes/vape products which are believed to be illegally smuggled into the country during a raid at a warehouse in Parañaque City on February 28, 2024 night.
Miguel de Guzman / The Philippine Star

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.

Show comments