Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero has commended the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service unit in Manila North Harbor for the seizure of another shipment of luxury sports cars smuggled from Japan.
The latest operation conducted by the CIIS men at the Manila International Container Port resulted in the capture of a Porsche Boxter Sports Car, one Mercedes Benz SLK Car, and two Toyota MR-S Sports Cars, all used vehicles worth P10 million.
The shipment is consigned to JLFDM Consumer Goods Trading.
Late last year, the CIIS also intercepted luxury cars worth P20 million imported by Blue Core Enterprises. Among the vehicles seized include one Porsche Sportscar, a Bentley Luxury Car, a Mercedes Benz Sportscar, and a half-cut Volkswagen.
“The message is we will not stop. We’ll continue manning the borders, apprehending smuggling operations, and enforcing the country’s laws. Even the pandemic has not slowed us down,” said Guerrero.
According to CIIS-MICP chief Alvin Enciso, their latest operation was conducted last Wednesday, few days after his office was tipped-off about an incoming shipment of luxury sports cars from Japan.
“We received derogatory information on the shipment before it arrived in our port. That was the basis of the request for PLCO (Pre Lodgment Control Order), so it is easier for us to inspect the shipment once it arrives,” Enciso said.
He said upon inspection, they discovered that 40 bales of ukay-ukay (used clothes) were used to conceal the four vehicles. The used clothing was at the threshold of the container van to cover the luxury cars.
“Clearly, there was an intention not to declare these items. This is something that we have to be extra watchful about,” Enciso said.
Enciso said border security in the country will remain tight because of the agency’s commitment and efforts to fight smugglers in line with Commissioner Guerrero’s strict anti-smuggling policies.
In August last year, CIIS agents also intercepted a P33 million worth of McLaren 620R supercar in Manila South Harbor.
The shipment was consigned to Llorin Trading and arrived at the Port of Manila on July 16, 2020. It was declared as brand new Porsche Cayman sports car in an attempt to avoid the payment of the appropriate duties and taxes.
