Manila: Over PHP2.3 billion worth of smuggled goods, including illegal drugs, were confiscated from July to August this year, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno stated that the BOC conducted 128 enforcement operations during the period, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to combat smuggling. The seizures included PHP1.230 billion worth of illegal drugs, PHP929 million worth of illicit cigarettes, tobacco, and vape products, and PHP178 million worth of agricultural products.

The anti-drug operations were carried out in close coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, and other law enforcement bodies, as mentioned by Nepomuceno. Notably, on July 17, Nepomuceno oversaw the inspection of a shipment at the Manila International Container Port, which uncovered 110.24 kg of shabu valued at PHP749.63 million, marking one of the largest drug seizures of the year.

Furthermore, on August 22, a warehouse raid in Plaridel, Bulacan resulted in the confiscation of PHP605.29 million worth of smuggled cigarettes, marking the largest cigarette-related interception this year to date. Additionally, the BOC, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA), seized over PHP178 million worth of fishery goods, onions, carrots, poultry, and sugar from July to August.

The BOC stated that these operations align with Republic Act 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, which categorizes large-scale smuggling of farm goods as economic sabotage. During this period, Nepomuceno also introduced critical policy measures to enhance the BOC’s efforts against smuggling and corruption.

On July 2, he issued a directive suspending all previously approved but unserved Letters of Authority (LOAs) and Mission Orders (MOs) to uphold discipline in field operations and prevent unauthorized enforcement activities. This was followed on July 17 by a memorandum prohibiting all BOC officials, employees, and personnel from holding any financial interest in Customs Brokerage operations.

“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,” Nepomuceno stated.