BOC destroys P1.4 billion smuggled vape products

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) destroyed yesterday 3,174 boxes of smuggled vape products from China valued at P1.4 billion.

This is the BOC’s largest haul of illegally aimported vape devices and pods so far, according to Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno.

“That’s a very big amount. The person behind the illegal importation is not an ordinary businessman to be able to spend such amount,” Nepomuceno said.

The seized vape products were destroyed using a roller compactor and doused with water from a firetruck to make sure that these would no longer be recycled.

The destruction of the contraband was witnessed by representatives from the Department of Finance, Department of Trade and Industry, Commission on Audit and Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Nepomuceno said the vape products arrived in the country in 2024 before his tenure as Customs chief.

He said it was only last March when the Manila International Container Port-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service received information about the contraband. 

The vape products reportedly owned by Steel Trust Corp. were kept at a warehouse in Navotas.

The BOC conducted physical examination and inventory then placed the shipment under seizure proceedings.

The government lost P380 million in revenue from the smuggled items, according to Nepomuceno.

“We are still reviewing the documents to ensure an airtight case against those responsible for the shipment,” Nepomuceno said.

He said among those who might be included in the list of respondents is the owner of the warehouse for possible violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.