BOC intercepts P51-M shipment of banned goods

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) scored anew in its intensified campaign against smuggling with the recent confiscation of some P51 million worth of banned goods at the Manila International Container Port (MICP), it was learned yesterday.

Seized were 240 boxes of frozen fish fillet and an undetermined amount of frozen meat, which arrived from Hong Kong last Jan. 23, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service director Jairus Paguntalan said.

Paguntalan said the seized shipment worth P9 million had been the subject of an alert order issued by his office after receiving a tip that several contrabands would be spirited out of the bureau through misdeclaration.

The official said the cargo was confiscated after its owner failed to produce an import permit from the Bureau of Animal Industry.

MICP district collector Carlos So said another shipment included 12 container vans of polyester from Vietnam with an estimated value of P42 million.

Polyester is a synthetic resin that can be used for adhesive, plastic and textile products.

It was learned that the consignees denied ownership of the seized cargo for fear that they would be criminally charged and banned from transacting with the BOC.

Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales commended MICP officials, including Intelligence Division chief Ferdinand Tuason, supervisor Antonio Kwek Jr., assistant supervisor Allan Moreno and agents Edgardo Sangil and Aurelio Mendoza for their prompt action in intercepting the contraband.

Morales earlier ordered an investigation into the foiled smuggling operations and the filing of appropriate charges against those involved, including people inside the bureau.

"Our campaign against smuggling is crucial in our objective of meeting the bureau’s P192-billion target collection this year," Morales said during the presentation of the seized shipments.

The BOC is currently investigating on allegations made by Ilocos Norte Rep. Imee Marcos that some Customs officials have been "protecting" big-time smugglers through a "super green lane."

The Investigation and Enforcement Group, under Deputy Commissioner Celso Templo, sought a two-week extension of the deadline for the investigation, saying they were still checking on the backgrounds of alleged smugglers.

Because of the allegations, the Senate has temporarily suspended the approval of the budget of Department of Finance, including that of the BOC, until a list of smugglers has been produced.