Philippine Customs Service: Over $80 Million Worth Of Illegal Electronic Cigarettes Seized in Ten Months

Philippine Customs Service: Over $80 million worth of illegal electronic cigarettes seized in ten months

The Philippine Customs Department seized approximately $86.5 million worth of electronic cigarettes during its crackdown in the first ten months of 2024. The director stated that they will continue to strengthen law enforcement capabilities in collaboration with the National Revenue Service, Department of Trade and Industry, and other agencies.

According to The Manila Times on November 19th, the Philippine Customs Service announced on Monday (18th) that its ongoing crackdown on smuggled e-cigarette products has resulted in the seizure of 5.07 billion pesos (approximately $86.5 million) worth of e-cigarette products in the first ten months of 2024.

The recent confiscation actions include the seizure of disposable electronic cigarette products worth 12.6 million pesos (approximately 220000 US dollars) in Laguna Province, as well as the confiscation of various electronic cigarette devices, cartridges, and disposable products worth 6.475 million pesos (110000 US dollars) in the Quiapo area of Manila.

Customs Director Bienvenido Rubio said,

These actions highlight the Customs Bureau's firm determination to destroy the illegal network of electronic cigarette smuggling, as well as its continuously strengthening law enforcement capabilities

He stated that the Customs Department will work closely with the Philippine Internal Revenue Service (BIR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), as well as law enforcement and intelligence agencies to carry out their work together.

With the support of strengthening intelligence sharing, the Customs Bureau will continue to remain vigilant and respond to new trends in illegal trade