The Bureau of Customs seized smuggled cigarettes, rice, used clothing and furniture worth at least P100 million in separate operations in Cebu and Zamboanga ports.
The shipments from China consigned to GRR Trading arrived at the Port of Cebu on August 19 which were declared as umbrellas, tables, cabinets, and chairs but turned out to contain more than 1,000 master cases of “Astro” “Jackpot” and “Farstar” brand cigarettes worth P92 million.
The other confiscated shipments of rice, and cigarettes, used clothing and furniture were found at the Port of Zamboanga.
“Apparently, the modus operandi of the importer is blatant misdeclaration,” according to Jerry M. Arizabal, Enforcement and Security Service–Port of Cebu District Commander.
He said the declared shipment was contrary to the declaration in the manifest that the container was loaded with Drawers, Tables, Cabinets, and Lockers.
“This swift apprehension is the result of the vigilance and close monitoring of port agents, coupled with x-ray inspection technology,” Cebu Acting District Collector Charlito Martin R. Mendoza said.
Warrants of Seizure and Detention were issued against the shipments for violation of Section 1113 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Mendoza warned erring importers who violate and disregard the country’s customs laws that not only will BOC seize their shipments, but will also revoke their accreditation and file legal cases against them.
Meanwhile, at least 51 sacks of rice and 25 master cases of cigarettes were found onboard MV Maria Matilde, a passenger vessel docked in Zamboanga International Port.
The BOC also discovered 34 bales of used clothing also known as “ukay-ukay” aboard MV Filipinas Maasin.
Importation of used clothing banned under Republic Act No. 4653 which prohibits the importation of used clothing, rags, or ‘ukay-ukay’ in commercial quantity to safeguard the health of the people.