MANILA— The Bureau of Customs destroyed more than ₱1.4 billion worth of seized vape products Thursday in what it described as the largest seizure of smuggled vape products in a single operation in the agency’s history.

The destroyed shipment consisted of 3,174 boxes of vape devices and pods under the Chillax, Black Bar and Shift brands. The products had no visible Bureau of Internal Revenue tax stamps and were valued at an estimated ₱1.428 billion, according to the BOC.

Customs officials seized the shipment during a March operation at a warehouse in Manila led by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port and the Philippine Coast Guard. The operation followed intelligence information, the BOC said.

After a 100% physical examination and inventory, the shipment was placed under seizure proceedings. A Warrant of Seizure and Detention and Forfeiture Order was later issued by the MICP under District Collector Geoffrey K. De Vera IV, leading to the final condemnation and destruction of the products.

The destruction was witnessed by representatives of the Department of Finance, Department of Trade and Industry, Commission on Audit, BIR and Philippine Coast Guard.

Speaking on behalf of Finance Secretary Frederick Go, DOF Assistant Secretary Dakila Elteen M. Napao said the operation was intended to protect government revenue and the public.

“We are witnessing the strong, unyielding resolve of our government to protect the public interest,” Napao said, citing concerns over potentially hazardous products, government revenues and competition with legitimate businesses.

The seized products were crushed using a roller compactor and sprayed with water to prevent them from being recovered, resold or reused, according to the BOC.

Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the destruction was necessary because the products had not undergone the required inspection and regulation.

“Hindi lang naman tariffs, duties, at taxes ang usapin dito,” Nepomuceno said. “Delikado ang mga puslit na produkto dahil hindi dumaan ang mga ito sa tamang pagsusuri at regulasyon at maaaring makasama sa kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan.”

The BOC said it is continuing enforcement efforts against the illegal importation of vape products as part of its border protection and revenue collection functions.