By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday conducted an inspection of misdeclared vape products and other regulated goods valued at PHP40.5 million at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla, Deputy Commissioner Romeo Allan Rosales, and District Collector Rizalino Jose Torralba, led the inspection of the three containers loaded with the seized items, which originated from China and were falsely declared as kitchenware.
The hold orders for the shipments were issued as early as January, following derogatory information received by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) – MICP.
A 100 percent physical examination, which led to the discovery of 81,000 pieces of assorted vape products, along with sacks of fully refined paraffin wax and other misdeclared items.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of vigilance in addressing unlawful importation.
“Our operations are anchored on a whole-of-agency approach that prioritizes intelligence, swift execution, and legal action against those who attempt to evade customs laws,” he said in a statement.
Warrants of Seizure and Detention were issued on July 23 and the shipments are now under forfeiture proceedings for violations of Sections 117, 1400, 1401, and 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), Republic Act 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, and relevant Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regulations.
The BOC is also undertaking a case build-up to identify and prosecute those responsible, ensuring full accountability under the law.
MICP District Collector Rizalino Jose Torralba reiterated the port’s unrelenting commitment to enforcing anti-smuggling laws.
“Smuggling operations involving vape products pose significant health and economic risks. The MICP fully supports Commissioner Ariel in safeguarding our borders and ensuring that only lawful and properly declared goods enter the country,” he said. (PNA)
