The Bureau of Customs (BOC) revealed that they seized Php6.5 billion worth of smuggled vape products from the 36 operations carried out between October 2023 to August 2024.
During the ‘Kapihan sa Manila Bay’ on Wednesday, October 2, the BOC disclosed the results from their intensified campaign against the illegal importation of vape products.
The Chief of the Investigation Division Atty. Leon Mogao Jr., highlighted the BOC's enforcement of the Republic Act No. 11900, or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, and the Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Moreover, the implementation of Customs Memorandum Circular No. 45-2024 was also discussed. The Circular aims to regulate the importation of vape products.
According to Mogao, most of the seizures occurred at the ‘key entry points’, being the Port of Manila, Manila International Container Port, Port of Clark, and Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
The BOC heightened the monitoring and profiling efforts for the said places.
The operations were led by the agency's Intelligence Group, headed by Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy, and were guided by the BOC Commission Bienvenido Rubio.
The BOC assured that they remain resolute in ensuring compliance with customs laws, enforcing the proper payment of duties and taxes, and upholding stringent regulatory standards to protect public health.
