The Bureau of Customs (BoC) reported that it had seized P40.5 million worth of misdeclared vape products, which were presented on Thursday at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
On 31 July, key BOC officials, led by Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip C. Maronilla, Deputy Commissioner Romeo Allan R. Rosales, and District Collector Rizalino Jose C. Torralba, conducted an inspection of the seized shipments, which originated from China and were falsely declared as kitchenware.
Hold Orders for the shipments were issued as early as January 2025, following derogatory information received by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS)-MICP.
The BoC said a 100 percent physical examination was conducted on 14 July, which led to the discovery of 81,000 pieces of assorted vape products, along with sacks of fully refined paraffin wax and other misdeclared items.
Warrants of Seizure and Detention were issued on 23 July 2025, and the shipments are now under forfeiture proceedings for violations of Sections 117, 1400, 1401, and 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), Republic Act No. 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, and relevant Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regulations.
The BoC is also undertaking a case build-up to identify and prosecute those responsible, ensuring full accountability under the law.
Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of vigilance in addressing unlawful importation. "Our operations are anchored on a whole-of-agency approach that prioritizes intelligence, swift execution, and legal action against those who attempt to evade customs laws," the commissioner said.
MICP District Collector Rizalino Jose C. Torralba reiterated the port's unrelenting commitment to enforcement. "Smuggling operations involving vape products pose significant health and economic risks. The MICP fully supports Commissioner Ariel in safeguarding our borders and ensuring that only lawful and properly declared goods enter the country," he said.
Advancing President Marcos Jr.'s vision of secure and transparent trade, the BoC intensifies enforcement efforts through stronger inter-agency coordination, data-driven risk management, and proactive intelligence to curb illicit trade.