MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confiscated P2.39 billion worth of smuggled goods in two months, Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.
The record seizures were done from July to August 2025.
Customs records showed that more than half of the items confiscated were illegal drugs (P1.230 billion). The rest were ₱929 million worth of illicit cigarettes, tobacco and vape, and ₱178 million worth of agricultural products.
Nepomuceno attributed the bureau’s successful anti-smuggling drive to strong intelligence and enforcement operations, non-stop crackdowns on illegal drugs, and other similar activities in the ports, as well as proper assessment of imported goods.
The bureau carried out 128 enforcement operations that stopped illegal drugs, illicit cigarettes, and agricultural products, and other unlawful goods from flooding local markets.
“These results, along with our steadfast commitment to instituting meaningful reforms, stand as strong evidence of our determination to combat smuggling in all its forms. I commend the dedication of the BOC’s Intelligence and Enforcement Group as well as our District Offices nationwide, whose tireless efforts form the backbone of these successful operations,” Nepomuceno said.
