Philippine Customs seized nearly $340,000 worth of illegal e-cigarettes involving brands such as Relx and Flava
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Philippine Customs seized nearly $340,000 worth of illegal e-cigarettes involving brands such as Relx and Flava
The Philippine Bureau of Customs has seized 19 million pesos (US$338,000) worth of smuggled e-cigarette products from two warehouses in Manila and Laguna, including brands such as Relx, Top Fog, Flava, etc., and those involved will face multiple legal charges.
According to Context.PH on August 25, the Philippine Bureau of Customs reported that 19 million pesos (US$338,000) worth of e-cigarette products were seized from two warehouses in Manila and Laguna.
Agents of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP), in cooperation with the Enforcement and Security Service and the Philippine Coast Guard, delivered a letter of authorization issued by Bureau of Customs Director Bien Rubio to the warehouse.
According to CIIS Director Verne Enciso, about P6.47 million (US$115,000) worth of e-cigarette devices, e-cigarette cartridges, and disposable e-cigarette brands Relx and Top Fog were seized at a warehouse in Quiapo, Manila.
They also found P75 million (US$1.337 million) worth of smuggled motorcycle parts and accessories.
"The total amount of smuggled products found in Manila is about P81.47 million (US$1.452 million). In addition to e-cigarette products, our team also found motorcycle parts and accessories. We know that the price of these parts can sometimes reach thousands of pesos or even more."
In another operation, customs agents seized about P12.6 million (US$224,000) worth of disposable e-cigarettes, including brands such as Flava, King's Evo, Grio, and Milan, at a store in San Pedro, Laguna.
The BOC sealed the two warehouses pending a cargo inventory by designated customs inspectors in the presence of CIIS, ESS, and representatives of the warehouses and shops.
The warehouse and shop owners face charges for violating Sections 117 (Regulated Imports and Exports) and 1400 (False Declarations in Goods Declarations), and 1113 (Properties Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
They also face charges for violating the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (RA 8293), the Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN Act), and National Tobacco Administration Board Resolution No. 079-2005 (Amending the Rules and Regulations for the Import and Export of Tobacco Leaf and Tobacco Products).
"Stop the flow of smuggled products is essential to prevent criminal organizations from profiting from unsuspecting consumers. I appeal to consumers: buying smuggled products is a risk to your health, as these e-cigarettes have not gone through the formal process and their safety has been compromised," said BOC Commissioner Rubio.
