BoC destroys P1.4-B smuggled vape shipment
The Bureau of Customs destroyed over P1.4 billion worth of smuggled vape products, the largest such seizure in its history.Summary
The Bureau of Customs (BoC) destroyed more than P1.4 billion worth of smuggled vape products on Thursday, concluding forfeiture proceedings on the largest single-operation vape seizure in the agency's history. Authorities used heavy machinery to crush and douse 3,174 boxes of illicit electronic cigarettes and liquid pods valued at P1.428 billion, rendering the merchandise unrecoverable. The destroyed inventory included products under the Chillax, Black Bar, and Shift brands, none of which bore mandatory Bureau of Internal Revenue tax stamps or health warnings. Customs intelligence officers assigned to the Manila International Container Port, working with the Philippine Coast Guard, had originally intercepted the shipment during a March raid on a Manila warehouse following an intelligence tip. MICP officials conducted a full physical examination and inventory before issuing a Warrant of Seizure and Detention and a subsequent Forfeiture Order to authorize the destruction. Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno stressed that untaxed e-cigarette shipments pose health risks alongside revenue losses.
(Source：Daily Tribune)
