3 Chinese Containers Seized in Philippines – ₱40.5M Vape Smuggling Scandal

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).

Key Details:

• 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.

Officials’ Warnings:

⚠ 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."

Government Crackdown:

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