Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-08-06 Origin: Site
The Philippines Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intercepted three misdeclared containers from China at the Manila International Container Port (MICP), uncovering a massive smuggling operation involving 81,000 e-cigarette products and refined paraffin wax, collectively valued at ₱40.5 million (≈$700,000).
Date of Seizure: July 31, 2025 (after a 100% physical inspection on July 14).
False Declaration: Shipment labeled as "kitchenware" but contained illegal vapes and regulated goods.
Legal Violations: Violates Sections 117, 1400, 1401, and 1113 of the CMTA, Republic Act 11900 (vape regulation law), and DTI trade rules.
Current Status: Goods under forfeiture proceedings; criminal investigation underway to prosecute involved parties.
⚠ Vincent Philip Maronilla (BOC Assistant Commissioner):
"Misdeclared ‘mixed cargo’ shipments are high-risk for smuggling. Demand fuels supply—stop buying illegal vapes!"
⚠ Rizalino Jose C. Torralba (MICP Collector):
"Vape smuggling endangers public health and the economy. We’re tightening borders to block illicit goods."
The BOC is intensifying efforts to align with President Marcos Jr.’s vision of secure trade, leveraging:
AI-driven cargo profiling
Inter-agency coordination
Proactive intelligence operations
