BOC-Cebu seizes P84 million smuggled goods in June

CEBU, Philippines —  A total of over P84-million worth of assorted smuggled items were confiscated by the Bureau of Customs in the port of Cebu last month.

Among the items seized by the customs authorities medicines, food supplements, cigarettes, office and home supplies, and mechanical equipment. These shipments were either misdeclared, undervalued or not declared at all by the consignees.

 “The full complement of Cebu’s anti-smuggling operatives continues to be vigilant to closely monitor, gather intelligence and thoroughly inspect shipments during this quarantine. We do not let our guard down,” warned Acting District Collector Atty. Charlito Martin R. Mendoza.

Mendoza warned unscrupulous importers that if they are caught smuggling goods into the port of Cebu, their import permit and license will be revoked.

 “The best way to help your businesses, the government, the economy, the Filipino people, is to just properly declare your shipments and pay the correct duties and taxes which will be utilized by the government to combat the Covid-19 pandemic,” Mendoza told importers. 

He commended the unrelenting and coordinated anti-smuggling operations of the District Port, Sub-port of Mactan, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, Enforcement and Security Service, X-ray Inspection Project, and Assessment Division.

The BOC will dispose of the seized goods amounting to P84,320,000 pursuant to the pertinent provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. 

Last week, the BOC-Port of Cebu auctioned off forfeited goods and collected for the government an additional P2.136 million.  FPL (FREEMAN)