BOC destroys P1.4 billion smuggled vape products
The Bureau of Customs destroyed P1.4 billion worth of smuggled vape products from China, marking its largest such haul.Summary
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) destroyed 3,174 boxes of smuggled vape products from China valued at P1.4 billion. Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno stated this is the BOC's largest haul of illegally imported vape devices and pods to date. The destruction involved a roller compactor and water from a firetruck to prevent recycling. The operation was witnessed by representatives from the Department of Finance, Department of Trade and Industry, Commission on Audit, and Bureau of Internal Revenue. The vape products, owned by Steel Trust Corp., arrived in 2024 and were stored in a Navotas warehouse. The BOC conducted an examination and placed the shipment under seizure. The government lost P380 million in revenue. Nepomuceno said they are reviewing documents to build a strong case against those responsible, including the warehouse owner for possible violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
(Source：Philstar.com)
