BOC raids net P1.76 billion hot cars

MANILA, Philippines — Following the raid in which smuggled vehicles valued at P1.4 billion were seized in Pasay and Parañaque cities last Thursday, the Bureau of Customs-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (BOC-CIIS) recently uncovered more high-end luxury cars, bringing the total value of the seized vehicles to P1.766 billion.

The additional vehicles, worth P366 million, were found in a warehouse located in Makati on Feb. 14.

In a statement, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio emphasized that these back-to-back raids highlight the bureau’s increased capability and commitment to combat smuggling.

“These back-to-back operations demonstrate not only their commitment to their mandate but also a new strategy for tackling smuggling. Those involved should understand that our skills and capabilities extend beyond our borders. We will pursue them relentlessly, regardless of how or where they hide their contraband,” Rubio said.

According to Rubio, the luxury vehicles discovered on Feb. 13 were being sold online by sellers AC Che Gong Miao in Pasay City and TopCar Specialist and Trading Corp. in Parañaque.

Meanwhile, the cars on Feb. 14 were found when the CIIS-MICP agents visited a warehouse at No. 489 J.P. Rizal street in Makati. The seller was identified as ACH High-End Motor Service Center.

Among the vehicles found in the Makati warehouse were a Ferrari 488 Spider, Ferrari 812 Superfast, Porsche Targa, Mercedes Benz G63 AMG, BMW M4, Lexus LC500, Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga, Land Rover Defender, Audi RS Q8, McLaren 720S, Ford Explorer, Li Xiang L7 SUV, Abarth 595 Competizione, MV Agusta Brutale 1000RR motorcycle and two Toyota Alphard luxury vans.

CIIS director Verne Enciso confirmed that CIIS-MICP officials, in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard’s Task Force Aduana, are verifying the legitimacy of the vehicles’ importation and ensuring that all necessary duties and taxes have been paid.

To secure the warehouse, Customs officials temporarily placed padlocks and seals on the showroom and storage facility.

Customs examiners are also conducting an inventory of the vehicles, which is being done in the presence of CIIS, the Enforcement and Security Service, barangay officials and storage representatives.