From January to October this year the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confiscated some P12.92 billion worth of smuggled goods, most of which were illegal drugs, counterfeit goods, and cigarettes and other tobacco products.
In a report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero said the bulk of the goods seized as of October 24 were counterfeit items worth P7.81 billion intercepted in 14 separate incidents at various ports.
BOC foiled the entry of shipments of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, worth a total of P2.96 billion, in three separate incidents, while other illegal substances worth P151.74 million were also seized over the January-October period.
Cigarettes and other tobacco products valued at P1.69 billion were likewise confiscated, along with P107.59 million worth of agricultural products, Guerrero reported during a recent Department of Finance executive committee meeting.
Other seized goods were vehicles and accessories worth P67.25 million; used clothing valued at P54.66 million; steel products, P12.61 million; general merchandise, P9.39 million; and other products, P58.20 million.
Guerrero said that as of October, BOC has filed 20 cases against illegal operations that impede the bureau’s revenue collections and, in line with its anti-corruption campaign, revoked the accreditation of 160 importers and 20 customs brokers.