THE Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP), uncovered undocumented disposable vapes, vape pods, and various general merchandise valued at over PHP 1.18 billion in Valenzuela City.
Armed with a Letter of Authority, BOC team, in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard-Task Force Aduana, and local authorities, inspected a warehouse located in Brgy. Canumay West, Valenzuela City on March 13, 2025. The operation led to the discovery of a massive haul of illicit goods, including 182,250 units of disposable vapes and 80,800 vape pods, amounting to a total estimated value of PHP 320 million, including excise taxes.
Alongside the smuggled vape products, authorities also found various contraband items such as used clothing (ukay-ukay), electronic accessories, Chinese foodstuffs, disposable syringes, and office furniture, bringing the total estimated value of the confiscated goods to PHP 1.18 billion.
The BOC team temporarily sealed the warehouse pending a full inventory and further legal proceedings. The smuggled vapes and used clothing, which are regulated and prohibited goods respectively, will be immediately inventoried and recommended for the issuance of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD). Meanwhile, the owners of the freely importable goods have been given 15 days to present proof of payment of duties and taxes, failure of which will result in the forfeiture of the goods in favor of the government.
Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio emphasized that this latest operation demonstrates the Bureau’s intensified efforts to combat smuggling and enforce customs laws.
He reiterated that the agency remains firm in its commitment to protecting legitimate businesses and ensuring that illicit goods do not enter the market.
He warned that those engaged in illegal trade will face the full force of the law, as the BOC continues to strengthen its enforcement measures to safeguard the country’s borders.
MICP District Collector Rizalino Torralba commended the swift action of the CIIS-MICP and enforcement teams, highlighting the importance of intelligence-driven operations in preventing the entry of illicit goods. The MICP remains vigilant in its efforts to uphold trade facilitation while ensuring strict compliance with customs laws.
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