The Bureau of Customs has intercepted 61 units of iPhone 7 Plus and chargers valued at P2.7 million after a Chinese passenger failed to show import documents, including a permit from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
Wen Congkai flew on board Xiamen Airlines Flight MF 8667 on July 21, 2017 but was stopped at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 when authorities noticed an image irregularity after his baggage underwent an x-ray examination.
Maj. Jaybee Raul Cometa, head of X-Ray Inspection Project (XIP) Unit, immediately recommended the issuance of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) for violation of an NTC memorandum circular and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
The seized mobile phones and chargers are temporarily deposited at the In-Bond Room at Terminal 1 while pending investigation.
Meanwhile, Cometa disclosed that the bureau would put up brand new 19 brand x-ray machines to curb smuggling in the three terminals of the NAIA.
“These machines will be delivered sometime in August and will be running after installations in NAIA terminals. These necessary steps will support our stronger campaign against the illegal entry of goods to the country,” Cometa said.
The BOC has one x-ray machine each at NAIA Terminal 1 and 2, and two machines at NAIA Terminal 3. # | BOC-PR
