The Bureau of Customs said it would file smuggling charges against an importer for the failed attempt to smuggle stainless angle bars worth millions of pesos at the Port of Manila which came from China.
Customs Deputy Commissioner Raniel Ramiro said the shipment was declared as flat bar and steel sheets by its consignee, Liuzhiga International Trading.
“The IG-CIIS received a report from a reliable source that a certain shipment might have violated the Customs laws by gross misdeclaration in quality-description of goods,” Ramiro said.
Acting on the report, POM District Collector Arsenia Ilagan conducted a spot-check and inspection on the shipment for verification and validation, he said.
During spot check, customs examiners found stainless angle bars and steel sheets contrary to the declaration stated in the entry filed by the consignee.
“A warrant of seizure and detention will be issued against the shipment for violation of Section of 1400 in relation to Section 1113 of the CMTA,” Ramiro said.
The Bureau of Customs has yet to determine the value of the seized goods as of press time.
He said the bureau would file appropriate charges against the personalities involved in the smuggling of goods.