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The Bureau of Customs seized P19.95 billion worth of goods from January 1 to August 23 this year
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The seizures were from 615 operations that yielded mostly illegal shipments of narcotics, counterfeit goods, cigarettes and other tobacco products
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From January 1 to August 27, 67 criminal cases were filed against 217 respondents suspected of smuggling activities, and another 48 administrative cases against erring customs brokers
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized P19.95 billion worth of goods from 615 operations that yielded mostly illegal shipments of narcotics, counterfeit goods, cigarettes and other tobacco products from January 1 to August 23 this year.
BOC preliminary data showed that of the goods seized during this period, counterfeit products accounted for P15 billion, followed by illegal drugs worth P1.88 billion, the Department of Finance (DOF) said in a statement.
In addition, BOC seized P1.23 billion worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero reported that BOC apprehended P887.61 million worth of general merchandise, P267.27 million worth of agricultural products, and used clothing valued at P56.63 million during the same period.
Electronics parts and products worth P23.55 million; firearms valued at P40.12 million; cosmetics, personal protective equipment and other medical supplies worth P182.49 million; vehicles and accessories valued at P77.54 million; wildlife and natural resources worth P3.81 million, and alcoholic beverages worth P3.91 million were also seized by BOC, according to Guerrero.
The agency likewise confiscated P290 million worth of currency, jewelry, fuel, chemicals, steel products and other items.
Over the January 1 to August 27 period, BOC filed 67 criminal cases with the Department of Justice against 217 respondents suspected of smuggling activities, and another 48 administrative cases against erring customs brokers before the Professional Regulation Commission.
