MANILA -- The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted several shipments loaded with various items including fake cigarettes, expensive liquor, a knock down aircraft, and agricultural products estimated at more than PHP25 million on separate occasions at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña headed the inspection of the containers that were discovered to be loaded with counterfeit Mighty and Jackpot cigarettes, onions, carrots, Jack Daniels, Johnny Walker Blue Label, auto and aircraft parts, Peking duck and other general merchandise.
He noted that the seized goods came from China, Vietnam, Singapore, and Guam and arrived at the MICP in August, September and October.
According to MICP District Collector lawyer Ruby Alameda, the shipments were held at the port due to misdeclaration and lack of required import permits.
She added that two shipments, consigned to JJTS International Trading and both declared as woven pile fabrics, were found to contain onions worth PHP477,870. Four other shipments declared as fabrics and lead lamps were found to contain auto parts, glue, Peking ducks, tissue and onions valued at PHP955,740. Said shipments were processed by Customs broker Toni Rose Amoyen.
Another cargo 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 worth PHP1,058,250.
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 two cigarette brands valued at PHP11 million.
Another cargo processed by Customs broker Norhata Macabato and consigned to Sphere Tucan Enterprise was also seized for containing liquors and distilled spirits instead of liquors and still wines worth PHP11.7 million.
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 valued at PHP780,000.
“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 said.
He added that 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. (PNA)
