According to a report by Context.PH on August 25th, the Philippine Bureau of Customs has reported the seizure of e-cigarette products worth 19 million pesos (approximately $33.8 thousand) in two warehouses in Manila and Laguna.
Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service at the Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) special agents, in collaboration with the Enforcement and Security Service and the Philippine Coast Guard, delivered an authorization letter signed by Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio to the warehouses.
According to CIIS director Verne Enciso, e-cigarette devices, e-cigarette pods, and disposable e-cigarette brands Relx and Top Fog worth approximately 6.47 million pesos (11.5 thousand US dollars) were seized at a warehouse in Quezon City, Manila.
They also discovered smuggled motorcycle parts and accessories worth 75 million pesos ($133.7 thousand).
The total value of smuggled products discovered in Manila is approximately 81.47 million pesos (1.452 million USD). In addition to e-cigarette products, our team also found motorcycle parts and accessories. We know that the prices of these parts can sometimes reach thousands of pesos, or even more.
In another operation, customs officials seized disposable e-cigarettes worth approximately 12.6 million pesos ($22.4 thousand USD) at a store in Laguna San Pedro. The brands included Flava, King's Evo, Grio, and Milan.
The Philippine Customs Bureau has sealed off these two warehouses and awaits designated customs inspectors to conduct a shipment inventory with witnesses from CIIS, ESS, and representatives from the warehouses and stores.
Warehouse and store owners are facing charges for violating Section 117 (Regulated Imports and Exports), Section 1400 (False Declarations in Goods Declaration), and Section 1113 (Property Subject to Detention and Seizure) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
They also face charges of violating the Philippines Intellectual Property Law (Republic Act No. 8293), the Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act, and Resolution No. 079-2005 of the National Tobacco Administration Board (amended rules and regulations on the import and export of tobacco and tobacco products).
Customs Director Rubio stated,
Preventing the smuggling of products is crucial in stopping criminal organizations from profiting off unsuspecting consumers. I urge consumers: purchasing smuggled products can harm your health, as these e-cigarettes have not gone through proper procedures and their safety is compromised.
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