BY Osias Osorio

THE Bureau of Customs, in cooperation with the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), thwarted a try by an Australian bound for Japan to smuggle P5.195 million in cash last September 23.

Customs-NAIA assistant deputy collector for Passengers Services Mark Almase, in a report to customs district collector Yasmin O. Mapa, said the passenger, Shorsh Sinjawi, failed to secure a permit or clearance from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

OTS personnel manning the final security checkpoint noticed the money inside the hand carry bag of Sinjawi.

Incoming and outgoing passengers are only allowed to carry P50,000, needing a BSP clearance if they are carrying more than that.

They are also allowed to bring in and out of the country up to US$10,000 or its equivalent in other foreign currencies.

The Australian claimed he won the money in a casino.