MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has so far confiscated over P5 billion worth of illicit vape products so far this year, the agency said on Monday.

BOC said it has ramped up its enforcement efforts and monitoring to implement the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

In April, it condemned 14,100 boxes of forfeited vape products worth almost P1.5 billion which were discovered in Valenzuela last October 2023.

The agency added it was also able to condemn 28,200 boxes of seized vape products in August this year.

Aside from these, BOC said through its enhanced monitoring efforts, it was able to uncover P12.6 million worth of smuggled disposable vapes in a vape shop in San Pedro, Laguna and P6.4 million worth of vape devices and other products in Quiapo, Manila.

“These operations highlight the BOC’s unwavering determination to dismantle the illicit networks behind vape smuggling and the continuous strengthening of its enforcement capabilities,” the agency said in a statement.

“With the support of enhanced intelligence-sharing, the BOC remains vigilant in addressing emerging trends in illicit trade,” it added.

BOC vowed to “proactively demonstrate resilience” in implementing regulatory measures that adhere to import standards, just as it said it would do its part in preventing the entry of illicit vape products.

It also said it would continue coordinating with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for their operations and monitor trends on illicit trade.