Several shipments loaded with various goods estimated to be worth more than P25 million were intercepted by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on separate occasions at the Manila International Container Port (MICP), in effect preventing the entry of such smuggled products into the Philippine market.
Customs commissioner Isidro Lapeña on Monday led the inspection of the containers discovered to be loaded with agricultural products, liquors, auto and aircraft parts, and other general merchandise.
Lapeña said the successful apprehension of the shipments was the result of the intelligence operations and credibility checking made by BOC agents at the MICP. Previous declarations of the consignees were also crossed-check.
According to MICP District Collector lawyer Ruby Alameda, there were eleven shipments held at the port for misdeclaration and lack of required import permits.
Two shipments, consigned to JJTS International Trading and both declared as woven pile fabrics were found to contain onions. Four other shipments declared as fabrics and lead lamps were found to contain auto parts, glue machanier, peking ducks, tissue and again, onions. All said shipments were processed by customs broker Toni Rose Amoyen.
Another shipment declared as fresh pears and apples consigned to Malaya Multipurpose Cooperative, and processed by customs broker Mary Faith Duran Miro, was later discovered loaded with onions and carrots.
Meanwhile, shipments declared as bags, plastic films, fabrics, and writing paper consigned to Zafari Trading, and processed by customs broker Christian Pacheco dela Cruz, were found to contain raw tobacco and cigarette brands Mighty and Jackpot.
A shipment processed by customs broker Norhata Macabato and consigned to Sphere Tucan Enterprise was also seized for containing liquors distilled spirits instead of liquors and still wines.
Knock-down used aircraft and parts were found in a separate shipment processed by Antonio Enriquez consigned to Greenfive Trading Corporation which was declared as aluminum waste and scrap.
Alameda said that the seized goods came from China, Vietnam, Singapore, and Guam.
According to Commissioner Lapeña all shipments will undergo seizure and forfeiture proceedings for violation of pertinent provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
After the forfeiture proceedings, the general merchandise, fabrics and the auto parts will be auctioned to the public to indemnify the government of the duties and taxes due on the shipment. Meanwhile, the onions, pears, and carrots shall undergo destruction as provided by the applicable provision in the CMTA.
“I have told Atty. Alameda to ensure that a thorough investigation be conducted. The consignees and the customs brokers involved in these importations must be investigated. I have also agreed to her recommendation to suspend their accreditation from BOC,” Lapena added. (BOC-PR)
