Customs seizes more than P3-M worth of smuggled goods from China
OF CUSTOMS (BOC) Commissioner Isidro Lapeña led the inspection of several containers loaded with agricultural parts, automotive parts, used clothing, and fake Nike shoes from China estimated to be worth more than P3 million at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) on Tuesday, October 10.
MICP District Collector Ruby Alameda reported eleven shipments were found to contain misdeclared items: four of which are processed by customs broker Toni Rose L. Amoyen with office address at 2006 Del Carmen St. Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City and were consigned to Gandar Import and Export Trading with office address at Duhat St. Sto. Domingo Village, P2 Don A Pilar Sasa, Davao City and JJTSInternational Trading with office address at Breb II Bldg. Unit 202, M. H Del Pilar St . Santolan, Malabon City and the remaining shipments by customs broker Mary Faith Duran Miro with address at Roosevelt St. Tulic, Argao and were all consigned to Malaya MultiPurpose Cooperative located at Mapaniqui, Candaba, Pampanga.
BOC Commissioner Lapeña said the shipments were seized after customs examiners found irregularity in the declared weight.
"The container weighs more than the declared weight in the entry declaration that's why it was physically examined, it was through profiling that we were able to intercept the goods," Lapeña said.
The shipments consigned to Gandar Import and Export Trading were all declared as fabrics but were found to contain used clothing, fake Nike shoes, auto parts, roll of fabrics, as well as rice.
Also, the shipment declared as fabrics, apparels, and LED lamps consigned to JJTS International Trading was loaded with misdeclared onions and fabrics.
While Malaya MultiPurpose Cooperative declared the imported goods as fresh apples, pears, and frozen pork cheek meat, the physical examination conducted by the examiners revealed fresh apples mixed with white onions, apples mixed with carrots, and pears mixed with white onions.
During the inspection, Customs Commissioner Lapeña said all shipments will undergo seizure and forfeiture proceedings after violating Section 1400 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016, and Intellectual Property Law.
"The fake Nike shoes will be turned over to the Intellectual Property Rights Division for proper disposal while the onions, pears, carrots, and used clothing will be destroyed," the customs chief said.
After the forfeiture proceedings, the rice, general merchandise, fabrics and the auto parts will be subject for auction to indemnify the government of the duties and taxes due on the shipment, he added.
The consignees and their customs brokers are also under investigation for smuggling-related cases.
Lapeña noted, the rampant smuggling of agricultural products and smuggled counterfeit goods have an "adverse effect on the local farmers and legitimate brand owners in the country."
"This should discourage businessmen and traders who are into illicit trade. BOC will detect these shipments and catch up with them," he added. ( BOC-PI AD)