MEMBERS of the Bureau of Customs-Customs Intelligence Investigation Service inspect various counterfeit shirts, perfumes and other luxury goods at a warehouse in Las Piñas City. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

AROUND P2.39 billion of smuggled goods have been confiscated within two months, mostly are illegal drugs and nicotine products, the Bureau of Customs (BoC) said.

In a statement on Monday, the BoC said it carried out 128 enforcement operations and intercepted P2.39 billion of illegal drugs, illicit cigarettes, and agricultural products from July to August of 2025.

Under Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno’s term, which started in July, the BoC seized P1.230 billion worth of illegal drugs, P929 million worth of illicit cigarettes, tobacco, and vape, and P178 million worth of agricultural products among other smuggled goods.

In July, an inspection of a shipment at the Manila International Container Port that resulted to finding 110.24 kilograms of crystal meth (shabu) worth P749.63 million, one of the largest drug seizures for the year.

The BoC is tasked with collecting P1.01 trillion this year, based on the 2026 Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing.

“Cracking down on the smuggling of agricultural products remained one of the agency’s top priorities,” the BoC said.

In coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA), the BOC seized over P178 million worth of fishery goods, onions, carrots, poultry, and sugar from July to August.

“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,” Mr. Nepomuceno said.

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto earlier said Customs is expected to see P150 billion in foregone revenues due to the smuggling of general merchandise and oil products this year.  — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

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