The Bureau of Customs – Intelligence Group (BOC-IG) made a total of 1,537 seizures worth P81 billion this year.
Half of these seizures were accomplished by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service at the Manila International Container Port, where P55 billion in contraband items were seized.
In a recent command conference, CIIS Director Verne Enciso highlighted the growth in the value of seizures, which has nearly doubled each year under the leadership of Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio and Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy.
The conference, attended by the heads of all IG Field Offices nationwide, featured in-depth presentations detailing the group’s significant cases and achievements this year.
Division chiefs also provided updates on ongoing operations and activities within their respective offices.
One highlight was a presentation on trends and analysis of seized commodities, which included a review of overall seizures in 2024, the most apprehended commodities, and commonly employed smuggling methods.
The IG also outlined strategic plans for 2025 aimed at advancing its mission to fortify the Bureau’s intelligence operations and reinforce its critical role in border security.
Commissioner Rubio called on IG officials to sustain their momentum in delivering greater achievements, emphasizing good governance and effective measures against illicit trade.
Deputy Commissioner Uy concluded the meeting by commending IG officers and personnel for their invaluable contributions to achieving the BOC’s mission to secure the nation’s frontiers from illicit trade and contraband.
Among the confiscated smuggled items were counterfeit goods, including illegal drugs, vapes, branded items, cosmetics, cigarettes, general merchandise, and agricultural products.
