Another batch of allegedly smuggled high-end luxury cars was placed in the custody of the Bureau of Customs (BOC), including brands such as Ferrari, Porsche, and McLaren, valued at P366 million.
Agents from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service – Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) carried out the operation at a warehouse in Makati City.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio praised the CIIS for their two successful operations, the first one on February 13 in cities of Paranaque and Pasay valued at P1.4 billion, followed by the Makati raid worth P366 million on Friday, February 14.
“The success of our CIIS officers in conducting these back-to-back operations demonstrates their dedication to their mandate and a new strategy for tackling smuggling,” said Rubio in a statement.
“Those involved should understand that our skills and capabilities extend beyond our borders. We will pursue them relentlessly, no matter how or where they attempt to hide their contraband,” he added.
CIIS Director Verne Enciso confirmed that the CIIS-MICP team, along with the Philippine Coast Guard’s Task Force Aduana, visited the location to serve a Letter of Authority (LOA) to the shop owner or representative.
This was necessary to verify the legitimacy of the vehicles’ importation and ensure that the appropriate duties and taxes had been paid.
“I can confirm that our intelligence agents conducted an operation after receiving information about this showroom in Makati. We discovered several high-end luxury cars and are currently verifying the importation documents for these vehicles,” Enciso stated.
The initial inventory revealed various luxury cars: Ferrari 488 Spider, Ferrari 812 Superfast, Porsche Targa, a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, BMW M4, Lexus LC500, Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga, Land Rover Defender, Audi RS Q8, McLaren 720S, Ford Explorer, Li Xiang L7 SUV, Abarth 595 Competizione, a MV Agusta Brutale 1000RR motorcycle, and two luxury vans, including a Toyota Alphard.
The team temporarily placed padlocks and seals on the showroom and storage facility while a proper inventory is conducted by assigned Customs examiners in the presence of CIIS agents, Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) personnel, barangay officials, and storage representatives.
BOC Deputy Commissioner for the Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy emphasized the need for vigilance as smugglers become increasingly bold in their efforts to circumvent the country’s customs and importation laws, evading proper duties and taxes to the detriment of the economy.
The owners, lessees, lessors, occupants, representatives, or any parties responsible for the warehouse and the vehicles found therein have 15 days from the receipt of the LOAs to submit the necessary documents proving that all duties and taxes have been paid correctly.
Failure to provide valid documentation will result in charges in violation of Sections 1400 and 1401, in relation to Section 1113 of Republic Act 10863, commonly known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
The BOC remains committed to combating smuggling and will vigorously enforce its mandate in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Customs impounds new batch of smuggled luxury cars in Makati.”