More than ₱1.4 billion worth of illicit vape products, the largest seizure of smuggled vape products in a single operation in Bureau of Customs (BOC) history, were condemned and destroyed recently, preventing millions of illegal vape devices and pods from reaching the market.
The seized goods consisted of 3,174 boxes of vape devices and pods under the Chillax, Black Bar, and Shift brands, bearing no visible Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) tax stamps and with a combined estimated value of ₱1.428 billion.
The vape products were seized during a March 2026 BOC – Manila International Container Port (MICP) operation at a warehouse in Manila, following intelligence information and a joint operation of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-MICP and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
After a 100% physical examination and inventory, the shipment was placed under seizure proceedings and subsequently covered by a Warrant of Seizure and Detention and Forfeiture Order issued by the MICP under the leadership of District Collector Atty. Geoffrey De Vera IV, leading to its final condemnation and destruction.
Speaking on behalf of Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Frederick Go, DOF Assistant Secretary Dakila Elteen Napao highlighted the broader significance of the operation in protecting the public interest and safeguarding government resources.
“We are witnessing the strong, unyielding resolve of our government to protect the public interest.”
“We are witnessing the strong, unyielding resolve of our government to protect the public interest: protecting our citizens from potentially hazardous substances; helping safeguard government revenues meant to build schools, healthcare facilities, and public infrastructure; and ensuring a fair, predictable, and competitive market,” Napao said.
The condemnation was witnessed by representatives from the Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Commission on Audit (COA), BIR, and PCG, reinforcing the government’s coordinated efforts to ensure the proper disposition of seized and forfeited goods.
To ensure that the products could no longer be recovered, resold, or reused, the illicit vape items were crushed using a roller compactor and subsequently sprayed with water.
“Sa pagsira sa mga vape products, sinisigurado ng BOC na hindi na magagamit o maibebenta ang mga ito,” Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.
“Delikado ang mga puslit na produkto dahil hindi dumaan ang mga ito sa tamang pagsusuri at regulasyon at maaaring makasama sa kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan.”
“Hindi lang naman tariffs, duties, at taxes ang usapin dito. Delikado ang mga puslit na produkto dahil hindi dumaan ang mga ito sa tamang pagsusuri at regulasyon at maaaring makasama sa kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan,” Nepomuceno added.
Under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Customs Commissioner Nepomuceno, the BOC continues to strengthen border protection and enforcement against the illegal importation of vape products, protecting government revenue, legitimate trade, and the consuming public.
