Agricultural and food products, including tobacco and cigarettes, accounted for most of the P18.11 billion worth of commodities seized by the Bureau of Customs (BoC) in 691 operations from January 1 to July 12 this year, according to a report by BusinessWorld.
Tobacco and cigarettes alone accounted for P9.88 billion across 219 seizures, representing more than half of the total value seized. Other agricultural products and food items made up a significant portion of the remaining haul.
The BoC’s intensified enforcement efforts aim to curb smuggling and protect local industries, with the agency continuing to monitor ports and borders for illegal shipments.