The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized smuggled goods worth about P30.5 billion from January to July 2023, the highest recorded during the given period in the last five years.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said that 661 operations were conducted in the seven-month period. Specifically, the BOC seized 152 cases related to cigarette and tobacco products worth P1.89 billion.
To effectively address the challenges posed by illegal trade, the BOC is relying on advanced digital tools and data-driven processes.
Rubio highlighted several key initiatives, including the utilization of the BOC X-Ray inspection project for non-intrusive inspections, continuous enhancement of the BOC Risk Management System, deployment of water patrol assets, and extensive implementation of the Electronic Tracking of Containerized Cargo System.
These measures are specifically designed to enhance the detection of contrabands and misdeclared goods, prevent smuggling activities, and bolster the security of container movements.
In addition to technology-driven approaches, the BOC emphasized the importance of close collaboration with national, regional, and international law enforcement agencies and regulatory agencies to facilitate intelligence sharing and information exchange.
