The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized P5.07 billion worth of smuggled vape products in the first 10 months of the year.
In a statement on Monday, the BOC said this was a result of its enforcement efforts, bolstered monitoring and inspection capabilities and coordinated operations, as well as the active prosecution of criminal case against those responsible.
The bureau last April 5 completed the condemnation of 14,100 boxes of forfeited vape products worth P1.48 billion discovered in Valenzuela in October 2023. It also successfully concluded the condemnation of 19,800 and 8,400 boxes of seized vape products on August 16.
Among its recent successful crackdown operations include the uncovering of smuggled disposable vape with approximate value of P12.6 million in a vape shop in San Pedro, Laguna, and the seizure of assorted imported vape devices, vape pods and disposable vapes worth P6.475 million, among other illicit items discovered in a separate operation conducted in Quiapo, Manila.
With the support of enhanced intelligence-sharing, the BOC said it remains vigilant in addressing emerging trends in illicit trade. The bureau said it intends to continue fostering regular coordination with the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Department of Trade and Industry, enforcement and intelligence agencies and private stakeholders to conduct joint operations and continuously advance effective enforcement actions against smuggled vape products.
