COUNTERFEIT goods, assorted items, and nicotine products topped the list of seized items in 2024 based on value, the Bureau of Customs (BoC) said.
In its 2024 annual report, the BoC said it confiscated illicit goods valued at P85.167 billion in 2,116 anti-smuggling operations. This was 97% higher than the P43.4 billion worth of smuggled goods seized in 2023.
Broken down, 41% or P34.7 billion came from fake goods, followed by “multiple various items,” such as kitchenware, appliances, and apparel among others, and cigarettes, tobacco, and vape products which accounted for 39% (P33.44 billion) and 11% (P9.29 billion), respectively.
Other smuggled products on the list are vehicles, accessories, and vessels (P4.24 billion), and illegal drugs (P1.9 billion) that were mostly marijuana, methamphetamine and ecstasy.
In comparison to 2023, the top five seized goods were counterfeit goods (P25.38 billion), illegal drugs (P7.71 billion), cigarettes/tobacco (P3.82 billion), agriculture products (P3.46 billion), and general merchandise (P974.07 billion).
Preliminary data from the BoC showed that revenue collections grew by 4.5% to P931.05 billion last year from P890.45 billion in 2023. It, however, missed the P939.7-billion target in 2024 set by the Development Budget Coordination Committee.
“Throughout 2024, the BoC disposed of a total of 358 forfeited containers, which included 146 that were auctioned, 186 that were condemned, and 26 that were donated to different government entities,” the BoC said.
Customs said the smuggled frozen mackerel worth P178.5 million was donated on December 14, after confirming their safety for consumption with the Department of Agriculture.
“The donation benefited 150,000 families, particularly those in marginalized communities and care facilities,” it added. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante
