BOC intercepts misdeclared iPhones and dry goods

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intercepted a shipment at the Manila International Container Port, (MICP) containing P20 million worth of iPhone units and dry goods.

Uncovered on Sunday, the shipment was originally declared to contain wall clocks, shoe racks and shoes but inspectors actually found at least 400 pieces of iPhones hidden and concealed in sacks.

Customs Commissioner Nicanor E. Faeldon said on Monday the cargo was consigned to Autum Way Enterprises with a given address of Room 4160D 4F Regina Building, Escolta Street, Binondo, Manila.

The licensed customs broker was identified as Mario R. Botona Jr. of 12 Fairlane Street, West Fairview, Quezon City.

"The shipment, loaded in container van number DFSU7314434 under bill of lading 713610315074, was placed under surveillance for a week until it arrived last 12 January from China on board the vessel Elba Island V. 1700IS," the BOC said.

It was put on hold through an alert order requested by Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Teddy Sandy S. Raval.

"The flagrant attempts by crooked importers to smuggle high-value communication items through misdeclaration will definitely be checked by BOC, and both the importer and broker will end up facing sanctions without prejudice from possible criminal charges that we will file in courts," BOC Spokesperson Neil L. Estrella said.

Estrella also serves as director of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS).

"BOC has to seize it for further investigation and filing of appropriate charges," he said.

Under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act of 2016, those found guilty of misdeclaration of imported goods worth more than P5 million face a jail sentence of not less than six years and one day but not more than twelve years, or a fine of not less than P1.5 million but not more than P15 million, or both. — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/VS, GMA News