(Photo courtesy of BOC)
MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday has filed criminal cases against two importers for the alleged misdeclaration and illegal importation of counterfeit and prohibited goods.
In a statement, the Bureau’s Action Team Against Smugglers (BATAS) filed the cases against private companies YJC International Corporation and MBS Cargo Movers Co. before the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The case against YJC International Corporation was for the illegal importation and misdeclaration of 1,599 cartons (79,950 reams) of counterfeit cigarettes with a total value of PHP76,837,676.
The shipment which was busted on January 3 at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) was declared as plastic frames and sheets.
On the other hand, MBS Cargo Movers was also charged for alleged illegal importation and misdeclaration of 344 boxes of ukay-ukay (used clothes) that were intercepted on August 10, 2020, at the MICP.
The consignee declared its shipment as used personal effects.
These consignees and their brokers were charged with various violations of Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and Republic Act 4653 which prohibits the importation of used clothes, and other related laws.
The BOC will also file administrative cases before the Professional Regulation Commission against the brokers of the two consignees. (PNA)
