With a relentless drive to protect the nation’s borders, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) confiscated ₱2.390 billion worth of smuggled goods from July to August 2025.
Acting on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to crush smuggling, the agency carried out 128 enforcement operations that stopped illegal drugs, illicit cigarettes, and agricultural products, and other unlawful goods from flooding local markets.
The agency carried out 128 enforcement operations within two months.
Within two months of Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno’s leadership, the BOC intercepted ₱1.230 billion worth of illegal drugs, ₱929 million worth of illicit cigarettes, tobacco, and vape, and ₱178 million worth of agricultural products among other smuggled goods.
The campaign against illegal drugs gained ground through the BOC’s close coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, and other law enforcement counterparts.
On July 17, 2025, Nepomuceno led the inspection of a shipment at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) that yielded 110.24 kilograms of shabu worth ₱749.63 million — one of the largest drug seizures for the year.
Another significant operation was conducted on 22 August 2025 in a warehouse raid in Plaridel, Bulacan where operatives discovered ₱605.29 million worth of smuggled cigarettes. This marked the largest cigarette-related interception of 2025 to date, conveying a clear warning to those who attempt to abuse our borders for unlawful activities.
Cracking down on the smuggling of agricultural products remained one of the agency’s top priorities.
Through the active coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA), the BOC seized over ₱178 million worth of fishery goods, onions, carrots, poultry, and sugar from July to August, underscoring its efforts to protect local farmers and consumers. These operations were conducted in line with R.A. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, which classifies large-scale smuggling of farm goods as economic sabotage.
Complementing these enforcement gains, the customs chief also introduced key policy measures to strengthen the BOC’s fight against smuggling and corruption.
On July 2, 2025, he issued his first directive suspending all previously approved but unserved Letters of Authority (LOAs) and Mission Orders (MOs) to restore discipline in field operations and prevent unauthorized enforcement activities. This was followed on July 17, 2025, by a historic memorandum prohibiting all BOC officials, employees, and personnel from holding any financial interest in Customs Brokerage operations.
“I commend the dedication of the BOC’s Intelligence and Enforcement Group as well as our District Offices nationwide, whose tireless efforts form the backbone of these successful operations.”
“These results, along with our steadfast commitment to instituting meaningful reforms, stand as strong evidence of our determination to combat smuggling in all its forms. I commend the dedication of the BOC’s Intelligence and Enforcement Group as well as our District Offices nationwide, whose tireless efforts form the backbone of these successful operations,” Nepomuceno stressed.
Building on this momentum, the BOC will sustain its enforcement drive, anchored on reforms that strengthen integrity and accountability, ultimately safeguarding the nation’s borders and the welfare of Filipinos.
