Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio commended the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) for three successful operations that resulted in the seizure of several luxury cars worth P2.6 billion this week.
Rubio reiterated the commitment of his agency to combat all forms of smuggling activities as part of President Marcos’ Bagong Pilipinas campaign.
“The Bureau of Customs’ intelligence unit has always remained alert against smuggling operations, but I must commend this series of actions that have already led to the seizure of billions worth of smuggled luxury cars from unscrupulous individuals, organizations, and underground businesses,” said Rubio.
CIIS agents at the Manila International Container Port carried out the latest operation, targeting Auto Vault Speed Shop located on Levi Mariano Avenue in Brgy. Ususan, Taguig City, where P900 million worth of luxury vehicles were discovered.
This marks the third raid by the CIIS on auto shops in Metro Manila selling luxury cars, with previous operations conducted in Parañaque, Pasay, and Makati.
CIIS-MICP agents visited the seller’s location to present a Letter of Authority (LOA) to the shop owner or their representative.
“They have a variety of high-end luxury cars—some are extremely high-end, like the McLaren, while others are more mid-tier. There appears to be a market for these vehicles, leading various businesses and groups to capitalize on the interest these cars attract,” explained CIIS Director Verne Enciso.
He revealed that the CIIS-MICP team found two units of Ferrari 488, two units of Mercedes Benz C-Class, and one unit each of the following: McLaren 720S, Rolls Royce Cullinan, Maserati Levante, Lamborghini Huracan, BMW M3, Dodge RAM, Ford Everest, Ford Mustang, GMC Yukon Denali, Honda Civic SIR, Honda S2000, BMW M2, Land Rover, Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography, Lexus LBX, Lexus LX570, BMW I4, Mazda Miata, Audi A1, Mercedes Benz AMG SLK, Mercedes Benz G Wagon Brabus, Mercedes Benz G63, Mercedes Benz GLE450, Mitsubishi Lancer, Porsche 911 Turbo S, Porsche 997 Carrera, Porsche 993 Turbo, Porsche 911 Turbo, Porsche Cayenne, Porsche Cayman, Porsche GT3, Porsche GT3 RS, Porsche GT3 Touring, Porsche Turbo, Toyota Sequoia, Toyota Corolla Cross, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, and Toyota Land Cruiser VX.R.
Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy stated that these operations demonstrated the skills and training that Customs agents undergo to fulfill their responsibilities.
The specific year models and additional details of the smuggled vehicles will be determined through a final inventory conducted by assigned Customs examiners with witnesses, including CIIS representatives, Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) agents, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), barangay officials, and the warehouse owner.
The owners, lessees, lessors, occupants, representatives, or any parties responsible for the warehouses were given 15 days from receiving the LOAs to submit the necessary documents proving that duties and taxes were correctly paid.
If they are found lacking the proper documentation, they will face charges under Sections 1400 and 1401, in relation to Section 1113 of Republic Act 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
Rubio recently announced that buyers acting in good faith who are willing to pay the corresponding duties and taxes will be allowed to settle any deficiencies with the Bureau of Customs.