400 Nokia phones seized at NAIA

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs has seized 400 disassembled Nokia 3310 mobile phones in the luggage of two travelers who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 last May 5, a BOC official said yesterday.

In a statement, BOC X-Ray Inspection Unit head Jaybee Raul Cometa said the mobile phones and charges, estimated to be worth P880,000, were found in the luggage of Lao Alikhan Unos and Hadji Unis Saaduddin Lao, who flew in from Guangzhou. 

The mobile phones were seized after the two travelers failed to present import documents such as a permit from the National Telecommunications Commission, he said.

BOC deputy director for Enforcement Group Ariel Nepomuceno recommended the issuance of a warrant of seizure and detention.

Last May 1, the BOC stopped Chinese man Chen Haibi, who also arrived at the airport from Guangzhou, after he failed to present import documents for 100 Nokia 3310 phones in his luggage.