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

Philip Morris International Fails to Invalidate British American Tobacco Unit’s Vape Patent
Philip Morris International Fails to Invalidate British American Tobacco Unit’s Vape Patent
The European Patent Office’s Board of Appeal upheld British American Tobacco’s Nicoventures Trading Ltd. vape patent, rejecting Philip Morris International’s objections. The board ruled that the patent’s use of predefined heater activation parameters not based on user puffs was novel and valid.
Nov.10
Australia Leads COP11 Seminars as Exploding Illicit Tobacco Market Raises Questions
Australia Leads COP11 Seminars as Exploding Illicit Tobacco Market Raises Questions
Australia sent a delegation to COP11 in Switzerland and is leading three major seminars to showcase its vape and tobacco control policies. But at home, illicit cigarette sales are skyrocketing amid record-high taxes, drawing criticism from the tobacco industry and prompting doubts over policy effectiveness.
Nov.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Chonburi Police Raid Major E-Cigarette and Vape Liquid Warehouse Worth Over US$920,000
Chonburi Police Raid Major E-Cigarette and Vape Liquid Warehouse Worth Over US$920,000
Thailand Chonburi provincial police, in coordination with multiple agencies, raided a large-scale warehouse in downtown Chonburi used for producing and distributing e-cigarettes and vape liquids. Two Chinese nationals were arrested, and more than 40 categories of contraband—including vapes, e-liquids, and production equipment—were seized, with an estimated total value exceeding US$920,000 (about 30 million Thai baht).
Nov.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco Announces Executive Leadership Changes Effective in 2026
Japan Tobacco Announces Executive Leadership Changes Effective in 2026
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) has announced a series of executive and board appointments effective from 2026, including the nomination of Takehiko Tsutsui—currently Executive Vice President at JT International—as President, CEO and Representative Director.
Nov.26
WHO MOP4 Focuses on Justice and Prosecution to Combat Illicit Tobacco Trade
WHO MOP4 Focuses on Justice and Prosecution to Combat Illicit Tobacco Trade
The Fourth Meeting of the Parties (MOP4) to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products opened in Geneva on November 24, 2025. With 60 Parties participating, the meeting focuses on strengthening legal action and international cooperation to combat illicit trade, which accounts for about 11% of the global tobacco market and costs governments billions in lost tax revenue.
Nov.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
NSW Landlords Could Face Jail or $165,000 Fine for Allowing Illegal Vape and Tobacco Sales
NSW Landlords Could Face Jail or $165,000 Fine for Allowing Illegal Vape and Tobacco Sales
According to The Guardian, landlords in New South Wales who knowingly allow tenants to sell illicit tobacco or illegal vapes could face fines of up to AUD 165,000, a year in prison, or both. The new offences are part of the state government’s broader crackdown on Australia’s growing black market for cigarettes and vaping products.
Nov.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai