MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) confiscated 14,000 boxes that contained an estimated 1.4 million pieces of 10-milliliter disposable e-cigarettes, or vapes, in a warehouse inspection in Valenzuela on Friday.
According to the BOC, the confiscated items are worth an estimated P1.428 billion, in combination with the value of the items and the excise tax.
“We received information last October 24, 2023, that a warehouse in Valenzuela City is being utilized as storage of voluminous illegally imported e-cigarettes or vape products without proper payment of correct duties and taxes,” Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service director Verne Enciso said.
According to Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy, the owner of the warehouse will be given time to present the necessary documents and proof of taxes.
Uy added that the confiscated e-cigarettes may pose health risks to consumers.
“We’re all probably aware and have seen viral videos of vapes suddenly exploding. Beyond the illegality of these smuggling activities, what concerns us more is the danger posed by these products to unwitting customers,” Uy said.
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