Marcos leads destruction of P3.3 billion vapes
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday led the destruction of nearly three million smuggled electronic vapes valued at P3.3 billion as authorities ramp up efforts to combat the illegal trade and protect public health.
Up to 2.9 million vape products were condemned at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) grounds in Port Area, Manila.
Marcos was joined by Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque and BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.
The illegal vapes were seized in 10 operations across Metro Manila last year.
Marcos said the smuggling of vape products has become rampant.
He expressed concern over the packaging of the vapes, which he said are targeting the youth.
The President emphasized that the condemnation aims to ensure that only safe and compliant products reach consumers.
Marcos lauded the BOC, the finance department and the Bureau of Internal Revenue for their efforts to curb smuggling.
In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the BOC intercepted P483.117 million worth of illegal vape products. — Evelyn Macairan, Louise Maureen Simeon
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