Bureau of Customs files smuggling raps vs fireworks importer

MANILA, Philippines—The Bureau of Customs on Thursday filed smuggling complaint against a trader for importing fireworks worth P40 million.

Facing a complaint for violation of the Tariff and Customs Code before the Department of Justice are Wilfredo Ong Lapuz, owner/proprietor of Grinderstone International Trading and his licensed customs broker Paul Noriel C. Alcantara.

The trader was caught smuggling four twenty-footer (4×20′) container vans declared as “Tissue, Switch, Shower Curtains and Faucet” but found to contain Fireworks.

The smuggled fireworks arrived at the Manila International Container Port in November last year.