The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Manila has seized P20.37 million worth of misdeclared cigarettes last Friday.
The BOC said in a statement over the weekend the 40-footer container shipment said to contain paper products arrived at the Port of Manila on May 2.
It originated from China and was consigned to Micastar Consumer Goods Trading.
The Office of the District Collector placed the shipment on hold and for examination on suspicion that the subject shipment contained misdeclared and/or prohibited items.
“Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service further substantiated the information, thus resulting in the issuance of an alert order on May 4, 2021, and the conduct of a 100 percent physical examination on May 6, 2021,” the BOC said.
Upon examination, the BOC found P20.37 million worth of misdeclared Fortune brand cigarettes contrary to the declaration stated in the entry filed by the consignee.
District collector Michael Angelo Vargas issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the shipment for violation of Section 1400 “Misdeclaration, Misclassification, and
Undervaluation in Goods Declaration” in relation to Section 1113 “Property Subject Seizure and Forfeiture” of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
“The BOC Port of Manila is relentless in its fight against illicit trade and all forms of smuggling and will remain steadfast in securing our country’s borders,” the agency said. – Angela Celis
