Counterfeit goods topped the list of smuggled products in the country in terms of value, the Bureau of Customs reported to the Department of Finance (DOF).
According to the customs bureau, the agency’s 615 operations this year have yielded mostly illegal shipments of narcotics, counterfeit goods, cigarettes and other tobacco products, valued at P19.95 billion.
Preliminary data reported by the Customs showed that of the seized goods between January 1 and August 23, counterfeit products accounted for P15 billion, followed by illegal drugs worth P1.88 billion.
Customs’ tightened watch on cigarette shipments, meanwhile, led to the seizure of P1.23 billion-worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero said the agency has also apprehended P887.61 million-worth of general merchandise, P267.27 million-worth of agricultural products, and used clothing valued at P56.63 million, during the same period.
Electronics parts and products worth P23.55 million, firearms valued at P40.12 million; cosmetics, personal protective equipment (PPEs) and other medical supplies worth P182.49 million were also seized.
Moreover, the bureau confiscated vehicles and accessories valued at P77.54 million, wildlife and natural resources worth P3.81 million, and alcoholic beverages worth P3.91 million.
In addition, the Customs seized P290 million-worth of currency, jewelry, fuel, chemicals, steel products and other items.
As of Aug. 27, the bureau filed 67 criminal cases with the Department of Justice against 217 respondents suspected of involvement in smuggling activities, and another 48 administrative cases against erring customs brokers before the Professional Regulation Commission.