MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) confiscated an estimated ₱1 billion worth of unregistered electronic cigarettes and vape products during a major enforcement operation in Navotas City on March 21, marking one of the largest seizures of illicit vape products this year.

Authorities recovered 3,174 master boxes of suspected illegally imported vape products from a warehouse believed to be used as a storage and distribution hub for unregulated goods.

The operation was carried out by a composite team from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service–Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP), Enforcement and Security Service-MICP, the Formal Entry Division, and the Legal Service of the Revenue Collection Monitoring Group, with assistance from the Philippine Coast Guard, local police, and barangay officials.

The enforcement action stemmed from intelligence gathered by CIIS-MICP, which indicated that large quantities of vape products not compliant with Philippine regulatory requirements were being stored in the facility.

Following surveillance and verification, authorities secured a Letter of Authority and Mission Order, allowing the team to inspect the warehouse and seize the suspected illegal goods.

BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the operation is part of the Bureau’s intensified campaign against illegal trade in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen border control and protect consumers.

“Malinaw ang mandato ng Pangulo—palakasin ang border control. Hindi lang ito paglabag sa batas. Ito ay usapin ng kaligtasan ng publiko,” Nepomuceno said.

He emphasized that unregistered vape products that bypass regulatory screening may pose potential health risks to consumers.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Romeo Allan Rosales, who oversees key enforcement initiatives aimed at strengthening the Bureau’s anti-smuggling operations.

The intelligence build-up that led to the raid was carried out by CIIS-MICP personnel, including Field Officer and Intelligence Officer III Joel Pinawin, who helped monitor and validate information regarding the suspected warehouse.

Initial findings showed that the seized products lack the required Philippine Standard (PS) License and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC), which are mandatory for regulated products under Republic Act No. 11900, also known as the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.

Some of the brands discovered during the operation are also reportedly covered by suspension orders issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Authorities warned that products entering the market without undergoing proper testing, labeling verification, and safety compliance checks may pose risks to public health.

Warehouse representatives were directed to submit valid documents within 15 days to prove that the goods were legally imported and compliant with regulatory requirements.

Failure to present proper documentation may result in the seizure and forfeiture of the confiscated goods, as well as the filing of appropriate charges against the parties involved.

The Bureau of Customs reiterated its commitment to intensifying enforcement operations against the smuggling and distribution of unregulated vape products in the country.

Officials said the agency will continue working with partner law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies to ensure that only compliant and properly regulated products enter the Philippine market.

Spread the news