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Philippine Customs Seizes Illegal Vape Products Worth Up to PHP 1.4 Billion in Navotas Warehouse

Mar.23
Philippine Customs Seizes Illegal Vape Products Worth Up to PHP 1.4 Billion in Navotas Warehouse
The Philippine Bureau of Customs seized illegal vape products worth an estimated PHP 1 billion to PHP 1.4 billion at a warehouse in Navotas City. Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the operation was the agency’s largest crackdown on illegal vape products since 2024.

Key Takeaways

 

  • The Philippine Bureau of Customs seized illegal vape products at a warehouse in Navotas City valued at about PHP 1 billion to PHP 1.4 billion (approximately USD 17 million to USD 23.8 million).
  • The Customs chief said it was the largest crackdown on illegal vape products since 2024.
  • More than 3 million vape units were confiscated.
  • Five suspended vape brands flagged for packaging non-compliance were found inside the warehouse.
  • The government could lose about PHP 4 million in duties and taxes because of the illegal vape products (approximately USD 68,000).

 

 

2Firsts, March 23, 2026

 

According to Tribune, the Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized illegal vape products at a warehouse in Navotas City with an estimated value of up to PHP 1.4 billion (approximately USD 23.8 million, based on 1 PHP = 0.017 USD).

 

More than 3 million vape units were seized in Navotas, with value reaching PHP 1.4 billion

 

BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said that more than 3 million vape units were confiscated, with an estimated market value of PHP 1 billion to PHP 1.4 billion (approximately USD 17 million to USD 23.8 million).

 

He said the operation was the largest crackdown on illegal vape products carried out by the Bureau of Customs since 2024.

 

Five suspended brands were found in the warehouse and initial findings point to China

 

The original report said the operation was conducted on Saturday based on intelligence information and with the assistance of the Philippine Coast Guard.

 

Authorities said five suspended vape brands that had been flagged for non-compliance with packaging requirements were found inside the warehouse. They are still determining when the shipments entered the country, but initial findings suggest they came from China.

 

Customs has identified the warehouse owners and asked a vlogger to coordinate with investigators

 

Ariel Nepomuceno said customs authorities have already identified the registered owners of the warehouse and that they will be given the opportunity to present their documents. However, the Bureau of Customs stressed that accountability will be strictly enforced.

 

The original report also said Nepomuceno called on a vlogger allegedly promoting and endorsing one of the suspended brands to coordinate with authorities as the investigation continues.

 

The Bureau of Customs said the government could lose around PHP 4 million in duties and taxes because of the illegal vape products (approximately USD 68,000).

 

Image Source: Tribune

 

References:
[1] BOC seizes P1.4-B worth of illegal vape products at Navotas warehouse Read more at: https://tribune.net.ph/2026/03/23/boc-seizes-p14-b-worth-of-illegal-vape-products-at-navotas-warehouse Read more Daily Tribune stories at: https://tribune.net.ph/ Follow us on our social media Facebook: @tribunephl Youtube: @dailytribuneph Twitter: @tribunephl Instagram: @tribunephl TikTok: @dailytribuneofficial
Also Read:
[1] Philippine DTI Says Flavored Vape Products With Minor-Appealing Descriptors Are “100 Percent Smuggled”
[2] Philippine Authorities Seize Illegal Vape Products Worth About PHP 3.6 Million
[3] Philippine Tobacco Control Coalition Backs Raising Legal Age for Vape and Tobacco Products to 25

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