BOC foils vehicle smuggling bid in CDO

Four used vehicles (1985 Suzuki Jimny, 2001 Mercedes-Benz G Class, 2003 Toyota LC Prado, and 1995 Toyota LC Prado) declared as used auto spare parts were intercepted at the Bureau of Customs-Port of Cagayan de Oro last February 12. (Photo courtesy of BOC)

MANILA, Philippines —  The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Cagayan de Oro on Tuesday said that it foiled an attempt to smuggle four vehicles declared as used automotive spare parts.

The shipment, declared to contain 55 packages of used automotive spare parts, arrived at the Sub-Port of Mindanao Container Terminal on February 12.

Upon receiving “derogatory information” about the shipment, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services, Enforcement and Security Service, and X-ray Inspection Project jointly requested District Collector Alexandra Lumontad to issue an alert order for a complete physical examination of the shipment.

“The physical examination revealed the discrepancy in the shipment, which was found to contain one (1) unit of a used 1985 Suzuki Jimny, one (1) unit of a used 2001 Mercedes-Benz G Class, one (1) unit of a used 2003 Toyota LC Prado, and one (1) unit of a used 1995 Toyota LC Prado,” the BOC said in a statement.

 (Photo courtesy of BOC)

“Based on the examination report, the vehicles were assessed with aggregate Landed Cost, including duties, taxes, and other charges, in the amount of P6.7 million pesos,” it added.

The BOC said that a warrant of seizure and detention was issued against the subject shipment for violation of Section 1400 in relation to Section 1113 (f) and (l) 3, 4, and 5 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.