The Philippines Bureau of Customs announced that its ongoing crackdown on smuggled e-cigarette products resulted in the seizure of items valued at $86.5 million during the first ten months of 2024, the Manila Times reported on November 19.
Recent operations included the confiscation of disposable vapes worth $220,000 in Laguna province and various e-cigarette devices, pods, and disposable products valued at $110,000 in Quezon City, Manila.
"These operations highlight the BOC's unwavering determination to dismantle the illicit networks behind vape smuggling and the continuous strengthening of its enforcement capabilities," Customs Chief Bienvenido Rubio said.
He also added that the agency works closely with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and enforcement and intelligence units to do its job.
"With the support of enhanced intelligence-sharing, the BOC remains vigilant in addressing emerging trends in illicit trade," Rubio said.
