By Samantha Yu
MANILA — A warehouse in Valenzuela became the latest target of an anti-smuggling operation, where authorities uncovered over P174 million worth of illegal goods, including vapes, medicines, and electronic items believed to have originated from China.
The Bureau of Customs, working alongside the Philippine National Police, raided the facility on April 14 after confirming reports of unauthorized vape storage. A Letter of Authority was issued before the operation.
Among the confiscated goods were vape supplies, gadgets, machinery, foreign pharmaceutical products, food items, apparel, cosmetics, and LED lighting equipment.
Officials said the products entered the country without proper documentation and may include counterfeit items.
Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla led the inspection, while Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno highlighted the potential dangers posed by the seized items.
“These are not just smuggled goods—they could threaten public health if sold to unsuspecting consumers,” Nepomuceno said.
Authorities warned that unregistered medicines and uncertified electronics pose serious safety concerns.
The BOC, with support from the Philippine Coast Guard, is now coordinating with the National Bureau of Investigation to file charges against those responsible.
The operation is part of a broader crackdown ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to curb illegal trade.
Valenzuela warehouses have repeatedly figured in major seizures, with past operations yielding billions of pesos worth of contraband.
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