The Bureau of Customs (BOC), under the leadership of Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, intercepted nine (9) containers containing misdeclared vapes and vape-related products at the Manila International Container Port (MICP), with a total approximate value of ₱137 million.
Acting on derogatory information, MICP District Collector Atty. Geoffrey De Vera IV issued Alert Orders against nine (9) containers, authorizing the conduct of a 100% physical examination at the Designated Examination Area.
The operation was carried out in coordination with the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) and the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS).
“Malinaw ang regulasyon ng gobyerno para sa mga vape products na ito, at ang magbabalak umiwas dito ay agad na pananagutin.”
“Hindi natin palalampasin ang pagpuslit sa bansa ang mga regulated products. Malinaw ang regulasyon ng gobyerno para sa mga vape products na ito, at ang magbabalak umiwas dito ay agad na pananagutin,” Nepomuceno said.
The shipments originated from China and were declared as cardboard boxes, accessories, packaging bags, kitchenware, underwear, clothes hangers, shoe boxes, and footwear. Physical examination, however, revealed substantial quantities of misdeclared vape and vape-related products that were inconsistent with the shipments’ declared descriptions.
Authorities uncovered significant quantities of vape kits, disposable vape devices, vape cartridges, and other vape-related products with a total estimated value of ₱136,924,250.
Representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) participated in the verification and assessment of the products in accordance with existing laws and regulations governing their importation and sale.
“Patuloy nating hihigpitan ang seguridad sa ating mga pantalan upang maprotektahan ang publiko, ang mga lehitimong negosyo, at ang kaban ng bayan.”
“Patuloy nating hihigpitan ang seguridad sa ating mga pantalan upang maprotektahan ang publiko, ang mga lehitimong negosyo, at ang kaban ng bayan, alinsunod sa utos ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.,” the customs chief stressed.
The BOC remains steadfast in strengthening border protection and enforcing customs laws to curb the illicit trade of vape products, safeguard government revenue, and protect public health and safety.
