MANILA – Some PHP94 million worth of smuggled motor parts and accessories and vape products were found during an operation in two separate warehouses in Manila and Laguna, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported on Sunday.
A composite team headed by Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP), according to Commissioner Bien Rubio implemented two letters of authority (LOA) to inspect the warehouses on Aug. 23, where they discovered PHP19.075 million worth of suspected vape products and more or less PHP75 million worth of smuggled motorcycle parts and accessories.
“Stopping the trafficking of smuggled products is crucial in the prevention of criminal organizations from profiting from unsuspecting consumers. On the other hand, I appeal to our consumers: buying smuggled products puts your health at risk because by not going through the proper process, the safety of these vapes are already compromised,” the BOC chief said in a news release.
On the other hand, CIIS Director Verne Enciso added the team found and seized an estimated PHP6.475 million worth of vape devices, vape pods, and disposable vapes, such as brands Relx and Top Fog, in a warehouse in Quiapo, Manila.
They also discovered more or less PHP75 million worth of smuggled motorcycle parts and accessories.
“The total amount of smuggled products found in Manila was around PHP81.475 million since aside from the vape products, our team also uncovered motorcycle parts and accessories, and we know the prices for these go to the thousands; sometimes, more,” he said.
In a shop in San Pedro City, Laguna, the composite team discovered and seized around PHP12.6 million worth of smuggled disposable vapes of varying brands, such as Flava, King’s Evo, Grio, and Milan.
The BOC temporarily padlocked and sealed the two locations while awaiting for inventory of the goods to be conducted by assigned Customs examiners to be witnessed by the representatives from CIIS, Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), and the warehouse and shop.
The owners face charges for violating Section 117 (regulated importation and exportation) and Section 1400 (misdeclaration in goods declaration) in relation to Section 1113 (property subject to seizure and forfeiture) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
They will also face charges in accordance with Republic Act 8293, otherwise known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, Republic Act 10963, the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN Law), and the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) Board Resolution No. 079-2005 (amended rules and regulations governing the exportation and importation of leaf tobacco and tobacco products).
The operation was also in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard. (PNA)
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