Assistant Commissioner Atty. Vincent Philip Maronilla led the inspection on various illegal goods inside a warehouse in Valenzuela City, including vape-related products, machinery, electronic devices, and pharmaceutical products, among others, with an estimated value of ₱174 million, that were seized during an operation conducted by the Bureau of Customs (BOC), in close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Acting on verified information, the BOC, through the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), in coordination with partner units, implemented a Letter of Authority at the said warehouse facility suspected of storing illicit vape products.
During the inspection, the team discovered various goods inside aside from the vape-related products, the warehouse also contained machinery, electronic devices, assorted foreign medicines, foodstuff, apparel, cosmetic products, LED lighting products, and assorted goods with an estimated value of ₱174,863,576.94.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of protecting the public from potentially unsafe goods.
“What concerns us most is that these products, if they make their way into our markets and homes, may pose serious risks to the health and safety of our people,” Nepomuceno stressed.
“The BOC remains committed to proactive enforcement and close coordination with partner agencies to prevent the distribution of such goods in the market.”
“The BOC remains committed to proactive enforcement and close coordination with partner agencies to prevent the distribution of such goods in the market,” the customs chief added.
The items are believed to have originated from China, lacking the necessary importation permits, and include suspected intellectual property rights (IPR)-infringing products, which pose potential risks to consumer health and safety if distributed in the local market.
“Unregulated goods have no place in the market and must be strictly accounted for under existing customs laws and regulations.”
Maronilla underscored the substantial volume and diverse nature of the seized items, stressing that such unregulated goods have no place in the market and must be strictly accounted for under existing customs laws and regulations.
To support enforcement efforts beyond the operation, the BOC is strengthening its coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for case build-up and the filing of appropriate charges against responsible parties.
The operation was carried out in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to intensify the monitoring of illicit trade.
It was conducted by a composite team composed of personnel from the CIIS–Manila International Container Port, the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), the Philippine Coast Guard, and the PNP, ensuring the orderly and lawful execution of the inspection.
