BOC: Over P19.22B worth of smuggled products seized in Q1 2023
Published Apr 18, 2023 01:59 am
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized over P19.22 billion worth of smuggled products in the first three months of 2023.
BOC Commissioner Bien Rubio attributed the agency’s gains to aggressive intelligence-gathering and quick actions, especially by the agency’s personnel on the ground, on all the reports that they receive about smuggling.
Bureau of Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio. (photo: BOC)
He said the seized goods resulted from 123 Alert Orders (AOs) issued against suspected shipments at ports, as well as 19 Letters of Authority (LOAs) served against various warehouses, storage facilities, and stores with derogatory reports.
The top-seized goods during the first quarter of 2023 were counterfeit goods worth more than P13.249 billion, agricultural products worth over P2.552 billion, cigarettes and tobacco products worth over P1.748 billion, and illegal drugs worth P849 million.
Among the other seized items were general merchandise, steel products, electronics, medical supplies, jewelry, food, chemicals, currency, fuel, and oil.
“This action demonstrates the BOC's commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability in its operations,” said Rubio, as he committed to continuously initiate measures to identify and intercept smuggled goods.
"We will not tolerate any illegal activities that threaten our nation's welfare and security," he added.
In addition to seizing smuggled goods, Rubio disclosed that the BOC also revoked the accreditation of 48 importers and 19 customs brokers for violating Customs laws, rules, and regulations.
Throughout its operations this first quarter of 2023, the BOC worked closely with other government agencies and international organizations to improve border security and combat transnational smuggling syndicates through the combined efforts of its Intelligence Group, Enforcement Group, and Collection Districts.
"We will remain vigilant in our efforts to combat smuggling and protect our nation's interests. We will continue to work with our partners in government and the private sector to ensure that our borders are secure and our local industries thrive," said Rubio.
Bureau of Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio. (photo: BOC)
He said the seized goods resulted from 123 Alert Orders (AOs) issued against suspected shipments at ports, as well as 19 Letters of Authority (LOAs) served against various warehouses, storage facilities, and stores with derogatory reports.
The top-seized goods during the first quarter of 2023 were counterfeit goods worth more than P13.249 billion, agricultural products worth over P2.552 billion, cigarettes and tobacco products worth over P1.748 billion, and illegal drugs worth P849 million.
Among the other seized items were general merchandise, steel products, electronics, medical supplies, jewelry, food, chemicals, currency, fuel, and oil.
“This action demonstrates the BOC's commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability in its operations,” said Rubio, as he committed to continuously initiate measures to identify and intercept smuggled goods.
"We will not tolerate any illegal activities that threaten our nation's welfare and security," he added.
In addition to seizing smuggled goods, Rubio disclosed that the BOC also revoked the accreditation of 48 importers and 19 customs brokers for violating Customs laws, rules, and regulations.
Throughout its operations this first quarter of 2023, the BOC worked closely with other government agencies and international organizations to improve border security and combat transnational smuggling syndicates through the combined efforts of its Intelligence Group, Enforcement Group, and Collection Districts.
"We will remain vigilant in our efforts to combat smuggling and protect our nation's interests. We will continue to work with our partners in government and the private sector to ensure that our borders are secure and our local industries thrive," said Rubio.