BOC seizes P20.37-M worth of misdeclared cigarettes at Manila port

Operatives of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Port of Manila (POM) seized over P20 million worth of misdeclared cigarettes.

In a statement on Saturday, the BOC said the shipment of one 40-footer container was seized on May 7. It has an estimated value of P20.37 million.

The shipment, which was misdeclared as paper products, arrived at the Port of Manila on May 2, 2021.

It originated from China and was consigned to Micastar Consumer Goods Trading.

“The Office of the District Collector placed the shipment on hold and for examination on suspicion that the subject shipment contained misdeclared and/or prohibited items,” the BOC said.

“Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service further substantiated the information, thus resulting in the issuance of an Alert Order on May 4, 2021, and the conduct of a 100% physical examination on May 6, 2021.”

Upon examination, the BOC said it found Fortune brand cigarettes contrary to the declaration stated in the entry filed by the consignee.

District Collector Michael Angelo Vargas issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the shipment for violation of Section 1400 “Misdeclaration, Misclassification, and Undervaluation in Goods Declaration” in relation to Section 1113 “Property Subject Seizure and Forfeiture” of the CMTA.

In his statement, Vargas said the seizure is a product of efficient coordination between the different offices in the bureau, namely, POM, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services, X-ray Inspection Project, and Enforcement and Security Service. — DVM, GMA News