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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Senator wants trader involved in vape smuggling to face criminal charges

Senator wants trader involved in vape smuggling to face criminal charges

Published Nov 10, 2023 08:25 am

Senator Raffy Tulfo has called on the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to pursue the filing of charges against the trader responsible for smuggling more than P1.43-billion worth of contraband e-cigarettes bearing the "FLAVA" label.


Tulfo said these contraband were seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) during their recent successful raid on a warehouse in Valenzuela City.


“Somebody should be held accountable for this. It should not only be the smuggler who should be charged but the employees who were negligent as well, should face charges,” Tulfo said in Filipino during his program "Wanted sa Radyo" on Thursday, November 9.


The smuggled vape items originated from China, according to Tulfo, citing his sources. The consignee, he said, was relatively new.


As such, Tulfo said they should have gone through the BOC’s red lane.


Reportedly, the seized “FLAVA” vape products amounted to approximately P1.43-billion, consisting of 14,000 boxes and 1.4 million pieces of 10 ml disposable vapes.


The BOC has pegged the value of the confiscated e-cigarettes at P500 per piece, plus the about P700-million excise tax that should have been paid to BOC.


Tulfo, in turn, dared the BOC to promptly provide the necessary information regarding the incident and expedite their actions against those involved.


He warned the BOC’s budget could suffer repercussions should the agency fail to provide the necessary information and continues to exhibit delays in their actions.

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BOC smuggling cases Raffy Tulfo vape products
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