Customs seized over P10-B worth of smuggled products in 2020

The total value of smuggled goods seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in 2020 reached P10.629 billion, according to the office.

They are from the 997 alleged illegal shipments confiscated by the office from January to December 2020 in separate operations.

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In total, 204 contrabands were imported cigarettes and tobacco products worth P5.7 billion.

Up to P1.85 billion worth of confiscated drugs is smuggled inside the country. This was followed by counterfeit products worth P1.05 billion.

The foreign currencies confiscated by Customs in 2020 cost P32.58 million.

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Customs also seized up to P196.5 million worth of personal protective equipment, medical supplies, and cosmetics products last year.

It will be recalled that the demand for PPE and medical supplies due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has increased.

The confiscated smuggled general merchandise amounted to P406.37 million, while the confiscated vehicles and automobile accessories were estimated to cost P356.53 million.

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Up to P284.62 million worth of agricultural products were blocked by Customs.

According to the office, the confiscated products do not have the appropriate permits and clearance so it can be considered illegal.

Customs seized over P10-B worth of smuggled products in 2020

Apart from the above, Customs also seized in 2020 the following other illegal items such as:

  • goods and food (P236 million),
  • pre-loved clothes or ukay-ukay (P168.285 million),
  • electronic products (P95.174 million),
  • wildlife & natural resources (P66.433 million),
  • steel products (P11.820 million),
  • alcoholic beverages (P2.434 million),
  • jewelry (P7.28 million),
  • various types of chemicals (P5 million),
  • guns without proper paperwork (P303,000),
  • and other products worth P73.949 million.

Customs also filed up to 126 cases against those behind illegal shipments from January 1 to December 31 in 2020.

Of these, 74 were filed with the Department of Justice while 52 were administrative cases filed with the Professional Regulation Commission.

Meanwhile, the Baguio City Smoke-Free Task Force, along with the city officials and the Baguio youth, destroyed around P2.3 million worth of cigarettes confiscated from violators of the Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance on Monday, January 25, 2021.

The Task Force crushed 183.3 kilograms of cigarettes, 72.5 kilograms of momma with tobacco, 25 units of electronic nicotine devices, and promotional materials such as ash trays and display racks during the Baguio City flag ceremony. These items were confiscated from individual and establishment violators during enforcement operations.