SCOURGE OF SMUGGLING
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. yesterday oversaw the destruction of nearly three million smuggled electronic vapes worth P3.26 billion at the Bureau of Customs grounds at the South Harbor, Port Area, Manila.
The seized goods, which include vapes, parts, and accessories, were part of a series of confiscations stemming from 10 separate operations carried out by the Port of Manila (POM), Manila International Container Port (MICP), and the BOC Intelligence Group (IG).
In his remarks during the public condemnation of the contraband, Marcos emphasized the significance of these operations in curbing illegal trade, which has seen troubling involvement with minors.
The President also commended the BOC for their efforts in eliminating illegal imports and noted the continued increase in seizures of illegal vapes.
“I’m happy to be able to report to the country that the levels at which we have been able to find these smuggled goods and to eventually destroy them has increased steadily over the last year and a half,” he said.
In 2023 alone, Marcos said, the government has confiscated over P3 billion worth of illegal vapes.
“And just from January to March (this year), we are well on our way also to achieving even more seizures of these illegal vapes,” he added.
The Chief Executive stressed that the seized vapes were brought into the country without the necessary permits and documentation, making them not only illegal but also a public safety risk.
This latest action is part of the ongoing efforts of the Marcos administration to curb the illegal trade of both nicotine and non-nicotine vapor products, as well as tobacco goods, in compliance with Republic Act No 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.
In 2024, the BOC conducted 48 operations related to the smuggling of vapes and e-cigarettes, leading to the confiscation of products valued at P6.658 billion.
Additionally, the BOC said more than two million vape products worth P3.26 billion were seized and condemned last year. Philippine News Agency
