-
The Bureau of Customs seized three containers loaded with misdeclared vape products and other regulated goods worth P40.5 million at the Manila International Container Port
-
Hold orders for the shipments were issued as early as January, this year, following derogatory information received by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service
-
A complete physical examination was conducted on July 14, leading to the discovery of 81,000 pieces of assorted vape products
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized three containers loaded with misdeclared vape products and other regulated goods worth P40.5 million at the Manila International Container Port.
BOC officials conducted on July 31 an inspection of the seized shipments, which originated from China and were falsely declared as kitchenware, the agency said in a statement. The inspection was led by Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla, Deputy Commissioner Romeo Allan Rosales, and District Collector Rizalino Jose Torralba.
Hold orders for the shipments were issued as early as January, this year, following derogatory information received by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service.
A complete physical examination was conducted on July 14, leading to the discovery of 81,000 pieces of assorted vape products, along with sacks of fully refined paraffin wax and other misdeclared items.
Warrants of Seizure and Detention were then issued on July 23, and the shipments were placed under forfeiture proceedings for violations of Sections 117, 1400, 1401, and 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, Republic Act No. 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, and relevant Department of Trade and Industry regulations.
The BOC is also undertaking a case build-up to identify and prosecute those responsible.
“Our operations are anchored on a whole-of-agency approach that prioritizes intelligence, swift execution, and legal action against those who attempt to evade customs laws,” said Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno.
For his part, Torralba said: “Smuggling operations involving vape products pose significant health and economic risks. The MICP fully supports Commissioner Ariel in safeguarding our borders and ensuring that only lawful and properly declared goods enter the country.”
The BOC said it is intensifying enforcement efforts through stronger inter-agency coordination, data-driven risk management, and proactive intelligence to curb illicit trade.
