In a significant crackdown on smuggling, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines announced the seizure of smuggled goods valued at over PHP85 billion throughout 2024. The announcement was made by Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, who detailed that the haul was the result of over 2,100 operations conducted last year. The confiscated items included a range of illegal products such as counterfeit goods, narcotics, smuggled tobacco and vaping products, and agricultural items that could harm both farmers and consumers. Rubio credited these successes to heightened efforts to curb smuggling and illegal trade, in alignment with directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to protect national security and economic stability. The BOC has intensified its border enforcement to combat smuggling, which not only affects government revenue but also poses threats to local industries, public safety, and food security. Additionally, the BOC’s enforcement of the Fuel Marking Program last year led to the marking of nearly 20 billion liters of fuel, generating over PHP242 billion in tax revenues and helping to prevent fuel smuggling, which undermines fair market competition. To further enforce compliance, the BOC revoked the accreditations of 56 importers and customs brokers found violating customs regulations and filed 45 criminal cases against individuals involved in smuggling. Rubio emphasized that smuggling is a national security issue affecting all Filipinos, and under President Marcos’ leadership, the BOC is committed to intensifying efforts to protect local industries, ensure food security, and maintain a fair business environment through enhanced intelligence, enforcement, and inter-agency cooperation.
Philippine Customs Seizes P85.1 Billion in Smuggled Goods in 2024
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