P137 million smuggled vapes from China seized

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July 9, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — More than P137 million worth of vapes and vape-related products allegedly smuggled from China were intercepted at the Manila International Container Port (MICP), the Bureau of Customs said yesterday.

BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the smuggled items were stored in nine shipping containers.

The shipments were reportedly misdeclared as cardboard boxes, accessories, packaging bags, kitchenware, underwear, clothes hangers, shoe boxes and footwear.

MICP district collector Geoffrey de Vera IV issued alert orders after receiving derogatory information about the shipments.

The BOC-MICP, in coordination with the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service and the Enforcement and Security Service, inspected the contraband.

Authorities seized vape kits, disposable vape devices, vape cartridges and other products with an estimated value of P136,924,250.

Representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry and National Bureau of Investigation participated in the verification and assessment of the products, in accordance with regulations governing their importation and sale.