X-ray machines give Customs powerful aid in catching smugglers

X-ray equipment — which a ranking Bureau of Customs (BoC) official said are more powerful than the machines the United States uses — has enabled the bureau to “significantly improve” its ability to detect misdeclared and misclassified imports.   In its latest case of intercepted shipments, Customs Commissioner Rufino Biazon said Wednesday two container vans with combined contents with a dutiable value of P25 million were intercepted using the X-ray scanners.   Biazon said Royal Halo Enterprises attempted in October 2011 at the Manila International Container Port to bring in a 40-foot container van with 36,000 bicycle tires and tire flaps from China.   The Customs chief alleged that the importer declared the contents as bicycle pumps, pedals and chains to avoid paying 10 percent duties on imported tires.   “The Bureau’s capability to detect misdeclarations and misclassifications has now improved significantly through its enhanced X-ray program. I am warning all importers then, to comply with the country’s laws to avoid problems,” he added.   ”Our scanners are three times more powerful than the ones being used in the US,” BOC X-Ray Project Head Lourdes Mangaoang added.   The other shipment, which had dutiable value of P3 million was consigned to importer Cimberly Enterprises included a shipment of a Suzuki station wagon and motorcycles but was declared as used mini-tractors, grass cutters, compressors, bicycles, motorbike parts and gasoline engines.   The Cimberly shipment also came in through the MICP, where District Collector Ricardo Belmonte issued alert orders that led to the interception of the 40-foot containers.   “It is never a wise idea to try to earn windfall profits by trying to short change the government. Importers who think they can earn big money easily through illegal importation may find themselves, not just losing money instead but in deep trouble with the law as well,” Biazon noted. — ELR/VS, GMA News