The Bureau of Customs seized nearly P1 million worth of fake Nokia 3310 phones from two passengers who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Guangzhou, China.
The seized items, which were intentionally disassembled to avoid paying taxes, were found inside five cartons, according to Deputy Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno.
When asked, suspects Lao Alikhan Unos and Hadji Unis Saaduddin Lao failed to show import documents, including a permit from the National Telecommunications Commission.
The two arrived from Guangzhou, China at the Naia 2 but were stopped upon arrival at the airport.
A report from Major Jaybee Raul Cometa, head of X-Ray Inspection Unit, said the cartons were marked “X” during X-Ray examination.
“In the presence of our agents, we physically examined the luggage and found the contraband,” Cometa said.
Nepomuceno recommended the issuance of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention for violation of an NTC memorandum circular and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Earlier, the BoC also caught a Chinese national who tried to smuggle into the country Nokia 3310 mobile phones at the Naia 2.
Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon reminded consumers to make sure that the goods, especially imported mobile phones, they are buying are not fake.
"Of course, some consumers would rather patronize fake phones which are relatively cheaper than the original ones but they should also be wise enough to know the difference,” Faeldon said.
The seized mobile phones and chargers are now in the custody of the BoC.