MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has charged 167 erring importers and customs brokers who have violated Customs laws, rules, and regulations in the first half of the year.
In a statement on Friday, the bureau said the Revenue Collection Monitoring Group, through the Bureau's Action Team Against Smugglers (BATAS) of the Legal Service, has filed 79 cases against these individuals from January to June this year.
They are facing charges for violating Republic Act 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and other pertinent laws.
Data from BATAS show that cases involved the unlawful importation of cigarettes, general merchandise, medicines, and other commodities amounting to more than PHP1.2 billion.
It added that 47 criminal cases against private importers were also filed before the Department of Justice.
A total of 32 administrative cases were filed against customs brokers before the Professional Regulation Commission. (PNA)
