BOC raids seize P94M suspected smuggled vapes, motor products in Manila, Laguna

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Wednesday said it conducted a series of crackdown operations last August 27 and seized millions of pesos worth of suspected smuggled disposable vape products, motor parts, and accessories in facilities located in Manila and Laguna. 

In a news release, the BOC said the operations were conducted by a composite team consisting of the the BOC’s Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP), Enforcement and Security Service-MICP, representatives from the bureau’s Action Team Against Smugglers, and the Philippine Coast Guard-Task Force Aduana. Barangay officials, while the Philippine National Police assisted in implementing the Letters of Authority (LOAs).

During the operations, authorities seized an estimated P94.075 million worth of items.

In particular, the BOC said the combined operatives discovered disposable vapes valued at approximately P12.6 million in a vape shop in San Pedro, Laguna. 

Meanwhile, a separate operation in Quiapo, Manila, led to the seizure of assorted imported vape devices, vape pods, and disposable vapes worth around P6.475 million, along with motorcycle parts and accessories valued at approximately P75 million.

“The authorities have temporarily secured the entrance and exit gates of the establishments with padlocks and seals,” the BOC said.

“An inventory of the imported items will be conducted by assigned Customs Examiners, with agents from CIIS, ESS, and representatives from the respective shops or warehouses present to witness the process,” it said.

In the observance of the due process requirements mandated under Section 224 of Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), the respective warehouse owners/operators are afforded 15 days from service of the Letters of Authority to refute the findings and submit documents to show that the subject vape products and motorcycle parts and accessories were legitimately imported and paid correct duties and taxes due thereon, according to the Customs.

“These crackdowns were conducted in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify our anti-smuggling efforts against the illicit trade of tobacco and vape products,” said Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio. 

“Our goal is to protect consumers and the public from the dangers of these illegal substances, which can pose significant health risks and undermine public safety,” said Rubio. —Ted Cordero/RF, GMA Integrated News