• The Bureau of Customs recorded 1,537 contraband seizures in 2024 valued at P81 billion
• This is a marked departure from 2022’s 729 seizures worth P24 billion
• Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service–Manila International Container Terminal accounted for P55 billion of the total haul for 2024
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) recorded 1,537 contraband seizures in 2024 valued at P81 billion, a marked departure from 2022’s 729 seizures worth P24 billion.
Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS)-Manila International Container Terminal alone accounted for P55 billion of the 2024 total.
Customs commissioner Bienvenido Rubio in a statement commended Intelligence Group (IG) for its collaborative efforts ensuring commitment to border security. “Good governance and effective measures against illicit trade have strengthened the organization’s collaborative efforts, enhanced border security and facilitated smoother trade processes.”
Deputy Commissioner for IG Juvymax Uy highlighted the critical role of the Intelligence Group in safeguarding the nation’s borders and fostering economic development even as CIIS director Verne Enciso attributed this year’s progress to improved intelligence initiatives.
“With these achievements, the BOC reinforces its commitment to fortify border security and maintain vigilance against threats to the economy and national security,” BOC said.
The seizure results were discussed at a command conference on December 11 attended by heads of all IG field offices nationwide. The conference featured in-depth presentations detailing this year’s IG cases and achievements.
Division chiefs also gave updates on ongoing operations and activities of their respective offices.
One of the main highlights of the command conference was the presentation of trends and analysis of seized commodities, which covered a review of the overall seizure in 2024, the most apprehended commodities in 2024, and commonly employed smuggling methods.
In a dialogue that followed, the IG outlined strategic plans for 2025 to advance its mission of fortifying the Bureau’s intelligence operations and reinforcing its role in border security.
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