P356 million smuggled goods seized in 2021

CEBU, Philippines —  At least P356 million worth of smuggled shipments have been seized by the Bureau of Customs-Port of Cebu in 2021.

A total of 174 shipments were interdicted by the customs authorities for either prohibited, undeclared, misdeclared, misclassified, and undervalued.

There were more seizures last year compared to 2020 but lesser in value. According to BOC-Port of Cebu, there were 69 seizures made in 2020 with an estimated value of P460 million.

The shipments seized by the BOC include coconuts, agricultural products, cigarettes, industrial goods, used clothing, counterfeit goods, medicines, dietary supplements, among others.

“This increased number of apprehensions is the result of vigilance and close monitoring of shipments, better intelligence and technology, and coordination with other regulating agencies,” the BOC-Port of Cebu said in a statement.

BOC-Port of Cebu acting district collector Atty. Charlito Martin R. Mendoza has been warning against erring importers to always adhere to customs laws.

Mendoza said that aside from confiscating their illegal shipment, the BOC will also revoke the accreditation of erring brokers on top of the criminal charges.  — FPL (FREEMAN)