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The Bureau of Customs destroyed P1.428 billion worth of illicit vape products, the agency’s largest-ever seizure in a single operation
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The seized shipment consisted of 3,174 boxes of vape devices and pods under the Chillax, Black Bar, and Shift brands
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The products had no visible Bureau of Internal Revenue tax stamps
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The shipment was seized during a March 2026 BOC-Manila International Container Port operation at a warehouse in Manila
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The products were crushed using a roller compactor and sprayed with water to prevent recovery, resale or reuse
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has destroyed P1.428 billion worth of illicit vape products, the largest single-operation seizure of such goods in the agency’s history.
The shipment, consisting of 3,174 boxes of vape devices and pods under the Chillax, Black Bar, and Shift brands, had no visible Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) tax stamps.
The goods were seized during a March 2026 operation by the BOC-Manila International Container Port (MICP) at a warehouse in Manila following intelligence information.
READ: BOC operation sees largest vape haul at P1B
The operation was conducted by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-MICP in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The shipment underwent a 100% physical examination and inventory before being placed under seizure proceedings. It was subsequently covered by a warrant of seizure and detention and a forfeiture order issued by the MICP under district collector Atty. Geoffrey De Vera IV.
The forfeited products were then condemned and destroyed.
Speaking on behalf of the Department of Finance (DOF) secretary Frederick Go, finance assistant secretary Dakila Elteen Napao said the operation highlighted the government’s efforts to safeguard consumers and government revenues.
“We are witnessing the strong, unyielding resolve of our government to protect the public interest: protecting our citizens from potentially hazardous substances; helping safeguard government revenues meant to build schools, healthcare facilities, and public infrastructure; and ensuring a fair, predictable, and competitive market,” Napao said.
Representatives from the DOF, Department of Trade and Industry, Commission on Audit, BIR, and PCG witnessed the condemnation and destruction of the seized goods.
The vape products were crushed using a roller compactor and subsequently sprayed with water to prevent them from being recovered, resold or reused.
“In destroying these vape products, the BOC ensures that they can no longer be used or sold. It’s not just about tariffs, duties, and taxes. Smuggled products are dangerous because they do not go through proper testing and regulation, and they could harm the health of our fellow citizens,” Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said in Filipino.
The BOC said the operation forms part of its continuing enforcement campaign against the illegal importation of vape products, to protect government revenue, and legitimate trade.
