Over P1 billion worth of vapes, used clothes seized in Valenzuela raid

The Bureau of Customs seizes P1.18 billion worth of vape products, used clothing, and other general merchandise in a warehouse in Valenzuela City on Thursday, March 13, 2025. (Photo from Bureau of Customs)

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday seized P1.18 billion worth of allegedly smuggled disposable vapes and vape pods, used clothing and other products in a warehouse in Valenzuela City.

BOC Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Director Verne Enciso said the products found in the warehouse came from China.

Enciso also noted that the vape products amounted to approximately P320,069,900 while the used clothing and other goods were worth around P860 million.

“We found various vape brands in the warehouse during the inspection,” Enciso said in a statement on Friday.

“The total of P320 million for the vape products alone includes the excise taxes that the government should have collected from the importation of these products,” he added.

The agency also seized items such as handheld desk fans, phone chargers, Chinese food items, disposable syringes, office chairs and other general merchandise.

The warehouse was temporarily padlocked while inventory of the goods is yet to be scheduled.

The BOC said the warehouse and shop owners can face charges for violating Section 117 and Section 1400 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, in relation to Section 1113.

They will also face cases of violating Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion, and the National Tobacco Administration Board Resolution No. 079-2005.