BOC-Cebu seizes P150 million smuggled cigarettes

CEBU, Philippines — In less than a week, the Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Cebu has seized almost P150 million worth of smuggled cigarettes from China that arrived at the Port of Cebu.

This time, BOC-Cebu seized two shipments, where one container van was loaded with 900 master cases of “Jackpot” brand of cigarette, while another container van was loaded with 939 master cases of “Farstar” cigarette.

These two shipments have a street value of P92 million.

“Charges of smuggling awaits the consignee of this shipment,” BOC-Cebu District Collector Charlito Mendoza said.

Mendoza added that this swift apprehension is the result of vigilance and close monitoring of their agents coupled with x-ray inspection technology.

He said that the consignee, GRR Trading, is the same consignee, whose shipment of smuggled cigarettes with a brand name “Astro” was also seized last August 20. It has a street value of P54.6 million.

All the consignee’s shipments were declared as umbrellas, chairs, tables, drawers, lockers and cabinets.

“Apparently, the modus operandi of the importer is blatant misdeclaration,” said Jerry M. Arizabal, Enforcement and Security Service (ESS)–Port of Cebu District Commander.

According to BOC-Cebu Facebook account, it was Arizabal who requested the recent shipments be immediately subjected to x-ray inspection after flagging the shipments to be suspiciously similar to a previously apprehended misdeclared shipment.

“We have not yet received any communication from GRR Trading on these apprehensions. They will be summoned during the forfeiture proceedings,” said Mendoza, when asked if the consignee has already explained their side about the seizure of their shipments.

Mendoza reiterated his warning against erring importers who violate and disregard the country’s customs laws.

Mendoza added that aside from seizing their illegal shipment, the Bureau will also revoke their Customs accreditation as importers and file legal suit against them.

Mendoza already issued Warrants of Seizure and Detention (WSDs) against all the shipments of the consignee for violation of Section 1113 (f), (i), and (l) of Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. -  GAN (FREEMAN)