An operation conducted by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) at a warehouse in Valenzuela City resulted in the seizure of an estimated P1.18 billion worth of allegedly smuggled disposable vapes, vape pods, and other products.
BOC Commissioner Bien Rubio stated that, in addition to disposable vapes and vape pods, the CIIS-MICP team also discovered ukay-ukay (used) clothing, handheld and desk fans, phone chargers, Chinese food items, wireless headsets, disposable syringes, office chairs, wall panels, and other assorted merchandise.
“We are observing many Filipinos, especially younger generations, shifting from traditional tobacco products to vapes. This market shift underscores the importance of border control measures, as we need to ensure that only safe, tested, and licensed vape products are available,” the Commissioner said.
“I would like to reiterate to our kababayans that using vape products, especially those that have not undergone regulatory testing and procedures, is dangerous. Smuggled vapes can pose significant health risks,” he added.
CIIS Director Verne Enciso reported that the seized vapes, used clothing, and counterfeit goods stored in the Valenzuela warehouse originated from China.
He specified that the total value of the vape products was approximately P320,069,900, while the allegedly smuggled ukay-ukay and other general merchandise were valued at an estimated P860 million.
This brings the total value of the seized smuggled goods in the Valenzuela City warehouse to P1,180,069,900.
“During the inspection, we found various vape brands in the warehouse. The P320 million valuation for the vape products alone includes the excise taxes that the government should have collected from their importation. Once again, our BOC personnel demonstrated exemplary resilience and dedication in preventing these products from entering the domestic market,” Director Enciso said.
The other seized products, including used clothing and branded phone chargers, were valued at P860 million.
Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy explained why consumers must understand the importance of boycotting smuggled and counterfeit products.
“Consumers are doubly victimized by counterfeit and smuggled products. First, they purchase products made of unsafe and substandard materials, which pose health risks. Second, smuggled products lack warranties and guarantees. Therefore, they are not only inferior to their original counterparts but also expose consumers to financial and health risks,” he said.
The CIIS-MICP has temporarily placed padlocks and seals on the warehouse, and an inventory of the goods will be conducted by assigned Customs examiners at a scheduled time.
The examination of the goods will be witnessed by representatives from the CIIS, Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), and the warehouse.
The warehouse and shop owners may face charges for violating Section 117 (regulated importation and exportation) and Section 1400 (misdeclaration in goods declaration) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in relation to Section 1113 (property subject to seizure and forfeiture).
They may also face charges under Republic Act 8293, the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, Republic Act 10963, the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN Law), and the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) Board Resolution No. 079-2005 (amended rules and regulations governing the exportation and importation of leaf tobacco and tobacco products).