As part of its commitment to strengthen border security, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Intelligence Group (IG) and Enforcement Group (EG), reported its anti-smuggling efforts for the first half of 2022.

From January to June of this year, IG and EG reported 293 seizures of smuggled goods with an estimated value of Php 8.37 billion.

In terms of value, the following are the top 3 seized commodities: (1) counterfeit goods amounting to Php 5.23 billion; (2) illegal drugs amounting to Php 1.67 billion; and (3) general merchandise which amounted to Php 388.80 million.

In addition, 58 Letters of Authority (LOA) were implemented for the same period, 44 of which yielded positive results.

Meanwhile, 78 alert orders were issued, 57 of which were positive for violation of pertinent customs laws, rules, and regulations.

BOC assures the public that it will continue to intensify its border protection efforts to protect the country against the entry of illicit goods.