Philippine Customs Seizes $120M Worth of Smuggled e-Cigarettes

Oct.07.2024
Philippine Customs Seizes $120M Worth of Smuggled e-Cigarettes
Philippine customs seized smuggled e-cigarette products worth 6.5 billion pesos in 11 months, cracking down on illegal activities.

According to a report by Philstar on October 7th, the Philippine customs authorities seized smuggled e-cigarette products worth 6.5 billion pesos (approximately 120 million US dollars) within 11 months.


Leon Mogao Jr., head of the Customs Investigation Department, announced this Saturday (October 5th) that from October 2023 to August of this year, Philippine customs have conducted a total of 36 operations targeting illegal e-cigarette products. These operations were primarily carried out in Manila Port, Manila International Container Port, Clark Port, and Ninoy Aquino International Airport.


Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio pointed out that these achievements demonstrate the agency's commitment to combating smuggling activities and protecting consumers from unregulated and potentially harmful products.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

2Firsts Observations | Two Months After Launch, BAT’s VELO Shift Draws Attention for Non-Traditional Design as Some Users Call for Higher Nicotine Strength
2Firsts Observations | Two Months After Launch, BAT’s VELO Shift Draws Attention for Non-Traditional Design as Some Users Call for Higher Nicotine Strength
British American Tobacco (BAT) introduced the VELO Shift nicotine pouch in September 2025, featuring a hexagonal outer can and an oval-triangle pouch shape that departs from traditional designs. Two months after launch, the product is available in the U.K., U.S. and Sweden. Social-media feedback indicates the design has been well received, while some users are calling for higher nicotine strength.
Nov.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
British American Tobacco’s Irish unit says VELO pouch sales hit 29m, net revenue climbs to €33.75m
British American Tobacco’s Irish unit says VELO pouch sales hit 29m, net revenue climbs to €33.75m
British American Tobacco’s Irish subsidiary PJ Carroll & Co Ltd reported that sales of its Velo nicotine pouches nearly quintupled in 2024 to 29 million units, driving an 11% year-on-year increase in net revenue to €33.75 million. However, amid a heavy tax burden and declining traditional cigarette volumes, the company’s pre-tax profit fell 8% to €5.69 million.
Dec.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ispire and IKE Tech Welcome FDA Enforcement Boost, Highlight Need for Tech-Based Controls
Ispire and IKE Tech Welcome FDA Enforcement Boost, Highlight Need for Tech-Based Controls
Ispire Technology and IKE Tech issued statements after the U.S. FDA received Congressional funding and directives to strengthen enforcement against illicit vaping products. The companies emphasized updated guidance, multi-agency coordination and the role of blockchain and age-verification technologies in preventing illegal imports and protecting youth.
Nov.20
New Zealand Survey Finds Adult Daily Vaping Prevalence at 11.7%, Concentrated Among Youth and Disadvantaged Groups)
New Zealand Survey Finds Adult Daily Vaping Prevalence at 11.7%, Concentrated Among Youth and Disadvantaged Groups)
A survey report released by the Public Health Communication Centre Aotearoa shows that despite New Zealand implementing stricter vaping regulations in 2025, including a ban on disposable products and tighter flavour restrictions, daily vaping rates continue to rise. The research body urges close monitoring of behavioural changes following the new rules coming into force.
Dec.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Singapore media: Relx-linked firm Hellow SG struck off and office closed in Singapore
Singapore media: Relx-linked firm Hellow SG struck off and office closed in Singapore
According to The Straits Times, after Singapore strengthened anti-vaping enforcement from September 2025, Relx International-linked entity Hellow SG voluntarily applied for deregistration and was officially struck off by ACRA on September 30, closing its local office. The company reportedly undertook regional business support and operated quietly.
Nov.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korea National Assembly Approves Bill to Regulate E-Cigarettes Under Tobacco Law After Nine Years of Debate
South Korea National Assembly Approves Bill to Regulate E-Cigarettes Under Tobacco Law After Nine Years of Debate
South Korea’s National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee passed a long-debated amendment to the Tobacco Business Act on November 26, expanding the legal definition of tobacco to include synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes. The amendment aims to end the regulatory blind spot surrounding such products while ensuring transitional support for vape retailers and a grace period for compliance.
Nov.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai