The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized P61.707 billion worth of smuggled and illicit goods in 2025, following 1,024 enforcement operations aimed at strengthening national border security.
Preliminary BOC data showed that the largest share of seizures came from general commodities valued at P28.47 billion, followed by counterfeit goods worth P17.72 billion.
Seized dangerous drugs amounting to P5.63 billion, followed by wildlife and natural resources valued at P4.80 billion, and tobacco products worth P1.86 billion.
The BOC also carried out 85 enforcement operations targeting agricultural smuggling, resulting in the confiscation of more than P622 million worth of smuggled farm products.
The bureau said these actions helped protect public health, ensure fair competition in the market, and safeguard government revenues.
To tighten compliance in the trade sector, the BOC revoked or suspended the accreditations of 40 importers and 12 customs brokers found to have violated customs laws and regulations.
In support of prosecution efforts, the agency filed 64 criminal cases with the Department of Justice, including 31 cases involving agricultural smuggling.
Of these, 10 cases involved violations of the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act (Republic Act No. 10845), while 21 cases were filed under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (Republic Act No. 10863).
The BOC said it also continued the implementation of the Fuel Marking Program, marking 21.102 billion liters of fuel in 2025 and generating P247.12 billion in tax revenues.
The program is a key tool in detecting fuel smuggling and promoting transparency and fair competition in the oil industry, the bureau said.
As part of its enforcement and restitution efforts, the BOC also recovered 30 motor vehicles linked to the Discaya family, previously cited in a Senate investigation on alleged anomalous flood control projects.
Thirteen of the vehicles were found to have violated customs laws and were issued Warrants of Seizure and Detention. Five forfeited vehicles were auctioned, generating P47.762 million, which was remitted to the National Treasury.
The remaining forfeited vehicles are scheduled for auction in accordance with existing regulations.
Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the results reflect the impact of firm leadership and coordinated enforcement.
“Our gains in 2025 demonstrate what decisive leadership and collective accountability can achieve,” Nepomuceno said.
