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The Bureau of Customs intercepted nine containers of smuggled vape products worth nearly P137 million at the Manila International Container Port
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It is one of the largest single vape interdiction operations recorded at the facility
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MICP District Collector Atty. Geoffrey De Vera IV issued alert orders based on derogatory information, authorizing 100% physical examination of the containers
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The shipments originated from China and were declared as cardboard boxes, accessories, packaging bags, kitchenware, underwear, clothes hangers, shoe boxes, and footwear
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The operation was conducted in coordination with the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service and the Enforcement and Security Service; Representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry and the National Bureau of Investigation participated in product verification and assessment
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted nine containers of smuggled vape products worth nearly P137 million at the Manila International Container Port (MICP), in one of the largest single vape interdiction operations recorded at the facility.
MICP district collector Atty. Geoffrey De Vera IV issued alert orders against the containers after receiving derogatory information, authorizing full physical examination of the shipments at the designated examination area. The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service and the Enforcement and Security Service supported the operation.
The containers arrived from China, declared as cardboard boxes, accessories, packaging bags, kitchenware, underwear, clothes hangers, shoe boxes, and footwear. Inspection revealed substantial quantities of vape kits, disposable vape devices, vape cartridges, and other vape-related products that were more than what the cargo declarations suggested.
Representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry and the National Bureau of Investigation joined customs authorities in verifying and assessing the intercepted goods in accordance with applicable import and regulatory laws.
Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno issued a warning to would-be smugglers in a statement following the seizure.
“We will not allow the smuggling of regulated products into the country. Government regulations on these vape products are clear, and anyone attempting to evade them will be held accountable. We will continue to tighten security at our ports to protect the public, legitimate businesses, and the nation’s funds, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.,” he said in Filipino.
The BOC said the operation is part of its continuing effort to tighten border security, enforce customs laws against illicit vape trade, protect government revenue, and safeguard public health.
READ: BOC seizes P53M smuggled pharmaceuticals, other goods at MICP
