BOC seizes P1.944 billion worth of alleged illegal imports in Bulacan

The Bureau of Customs in Manila seized a total of 1.944 billion worth of illegal items from warehouses in Guiguinto, Bulacan earlier this month.

According to a BOC statement on Wednesday, three days of operations yielded shipments of dried tobacco, fake goods, used clothing and other items in different warehouses in the area.

A first operation on November 6 revealed used clothing, shoes, and counterfeit branded items worth P1.25 billion, while a follow-up inspection of another warehouse on November 8 led to the discovery of P694.4 million worth of dried tobacco in sacks and cigarette filter rods in approximately 6,944 cases of cigarettes.

“Big operations like these take a lot of time and resources but as a testament to the enduring commitment of our officers, we were able to inspect many warehouses in three days and held billion worth of imported goods being stored there for presentation of proof of payment of correct duties and taxes and its legitimate importation,” said BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.

“An operation can only be truly successful if we are able to file and pursue cases against these individuals and organizations. For that to happen, we make sure to follow the proper rules and procedures, including the courtesy we extend to the owners of these goods to provide us proof that these did not enter the country illegally,” added Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy.

Warehouse owners were given 15 days to submit documents to prove legitimate import of the seized goods and proper payment of taxes in accordance with Section 224 of Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

According to the law, the owners of the warehouses may face charges for violating the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN Law).

“The law classifies agricultural smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and engaging in a cartel as economic sabotage,” the statement said. — Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/BM, GMA Integrated News