Customs personnel inspect on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, three vehicles that were confiscated in a foiled smuggling attempt. Authorities from the Manila International Container Port have seized the vehicles. (Photo from BOC)
MANILA, Philippines — Agents of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized three luxury vehicles worth around P16 million in a foiled smuggling attempt at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
Personnel of the MICP’s Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service confiscated a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser, a 2016 Nissan GTR, and a 2020 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 on Wednesday, according to the BOC.
In a statement released Thursday, the BOC said a pre-lodgement control order was issued to allow an examination of the shipment consigned to ADFINEST Marketing Corp., which led to the discovery of the smuggled vehicles.
A warrant for seizure and detention was then issued for the shipment. The filing of cases is also underway for possible violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and the lack of authority to import from the Department of Trade and Industry.
The BOC earlier seized P20 million worth of cars covered in 33 bales of used clothing from a container consigned to a company linked in another smuggling case.
The confiscations are part of the MICP’s “Coplan Tsekot” which aims to prevent the illegal importation of vehicles into the country. Faith Yuen Wei Ragasa, Inquirer trainee
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