Bureau of Customs agents arrested in Ninoy Aquino International Airport two Japanese nationals for trying to smuggle two travel bags containing 100,645, 000 yen (P45 million).
The foreigners identified, as Yuzuru Marumo and Masayuki Aoyagi, both from Narita, Japan, are now detained and will be charged with smuggling (undeclared) of foreign currency before the Pasay City prosecutor’s office.
NAIA – Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service chief Verne Enciso said they arrested the foreigners following information from the International Police that two Japanese nationals were scheduled to arrive in Manila carrying “huge” amounts of foreign currencies.
“The foreigners arrived at the NAIA terminal 2 onboard Philippine Airlines flight PR-427 from Narita around 5:38 p.m. Tuesday and they were met and escorted by four airport policemen upon arrival,” said Enciso.
Customs examiners initially asked Marumo and Aoyagi if they have “something to declare” to which they responded “nothing.” The authorities then asked the two to open their hand-carry bags (one backpack and a small black luggage bag) where they discovered the bulk of the Japanese currency.
Enciso said the seized foreign currency will be subjected to seizure and forfeiture proceedings in violation of provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (Republic Act 10863) in relation to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Manual of Regulations on Foreign Exchange.
He advised the public to refrain from attempts to engage in similar fraudulent schemes as the BSP require the faithful declaration and accomplishment of Foreign Currency Declaration Forms for importation and exportation of foreign currency in excess of $10,000 or its equivalent.
“Violation of this rule may lead to seizure of the money and civil penalties and or criminal prosecution against the owner,” added Enciso.
Meanwhile, the Police – Aviation Security Group is investigating at least six individuals who introduced themselves as law enforcers who tried to “rescue” the arrested Japanese nationals from Customs’ custody.
The authorities did not identify those under investigation, but they said some of them are foreigners.