The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said it seized over P5 billion worth of smuggled vape products in the first 10 months of the year as part of its intensified campaign against the illicit trade.
In a statement, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said the agency’s intensified efforts include "bolstered monitoring and inspection capabilities and coordinated operations."
Rubio said these efforts have resulted in the successful prosecution of individuals involved in vape smuggling.
In addition to the P5.070 billion worth of vape products seized from January to October, the BOC also condemned 14,100 boxes of forfeited vape products worth P1.480 billion discovered in Valenzuela in October 2023.
The condemnation was completed on April 5, 2024. Further demonstrating its commitment, Rubio said the BOC concluded the condemnation of 19,800 and 8,400 boxes of seized vape products on Aug. 16, 2024.
"These operations highlight the BOC’s unwavering determination to dismantle the illicit networks behind vape smuggling and the continuous strengthening of its enforcement capabilities," he said.
Recent successful operations include the seizure of P12.6 million worth of smuggled disposable vapes in San Pedro, Laguna and P6.475 million worth of assorted vape devices in Quiapo, Manila.
The BOC added that it will continue to foster coordination with other agencies, including the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and enforcement and intelligence agencies, to conduct joint operations and advance enforcement actions against smuggled vape products.
The Bureau also noted the importance of enhanced intelligence-sharing to address emerging trends in the illicit vape trade.