The Bureau of Customs has seized P769.67 million-worth of goods in less than two months, mostly illicit shipments of vehicles, cigarettes and other tobacco products, as well as illegal drugs, the Department of Finance (DOF) said.
In a statement released by the DOF Monday, March 7, the Customs reported that these seized goods came from 33 search and seizure operations of the bureau between Jan. 1 and Feb. 11, 2022.
Preliminary data from the Customs showed that of the seized goods, vehicles and their accessories accounted for P420 million, followed by cigarettes and other tobacco products worth P221.4 million, and illegal drugs estimated at P46 million.
In a report to Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III, the Customs said it has also apprehended P44.8 million-worth of currency, personal protective equipment (PPEs) and other medical supplies valued at P30 million, and P6 million-worth of agricultural products.
The other seized items were general merchandise, firearms, wildlife and other products worth P1.5 million.
As of Feb. 11 2022, the bureau also filed 11 criminal cases with the Department of Justice against 30 respondents suspected of involvement in smuggling activities, and another three administrative cases against erring customs brokers.
The Customs has also completed the inspection and investigation of Customs warehouses, the agency said.
From the total of 138 Customs Bonded Warehouses (CBWs) and 245 Members of Customs Common Bonded Warehouses (CCBW), 75 were issued with Order of Closure as of Feb. 11, the bureau added.