The Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported it has confiscated PHP2.390 billion worth of smuggled goods from July to August this year, a large majority of which were seized within the two months of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno’s leadership.
In a report, the agency said it carried out 128 enforcement operations that stopped illegal drugs, illicit cigarettes, and agricultural products, and other unlawful goods from flooding local markets.
Within two months of Commissioner Nepomuceno’s leadership, the BOC intercepted PHP1.230 billion worth of illegal drugs, PHP929 million worth of illicit cigarettes, tobacco, and vape, and PHP178 million worth of agricultural products among other smuggled goods.
The campaign against illegal drugs gained ground through the BOC’s close coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, and other law enforcement counterparts.
On July 17, Commissioner Nepomuceno led the inspection of a shipment at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) that yielded 110.24 kilograms of shabu worth PHP749.63 million — one of the largest drug seizures for the year.
Another significant operation was conducted on August 22 in a warehouse raid in Plaridel, Bulacan where operatives discovered PHP605.29 million worth of smuggled cigarettes. This marked the largest cigarette-related interception of 2025 to date, conveying a clear warning to those who attempt to abuse our borders for unlawful activities.
Cracking down on the smuggling of agricultural products remained one of the agency’s top priorities. Through the active coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA), the BOC seized over PHP178 million worth of fishery goods, onions, carrots, poultry, and sugar from July to August, underscoring its efforts to protect local farmers and consumers. These operations were conducted in line with R.A. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, which classifies large-scale smuggling of farm goods as economic sabotage.
Complementing these enforcement gains, Commissioner Nepomuceno also introduced key policy measures to strengthen the BOC’s fight against smuggling and corruption.
On July 2, 2025, he issued his first directive suspending all previously approved but unserved Letters of Authority (LOAs) and Mission Orders (MOs) to restore discipline in field operations and prevent unauthorized enforcement activities. This was followed on July 17, 2025, by a historic 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. 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,” the Commissioner stated.
Building on this momentum, the BOC will sustain its enforcement drive, anchored on reforms that strengthen integrity and accountability, ultimately safeguarding the nation’s borders and the welfare of Filipinos.
