MANILA — The Bureau of Customs has seized P25 million worth of imported motorcycles and other goods after they were found to be misdeclared during scanning by the bureau's x-ray machines.
Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon ordered the seizure of a completely knocked down (CKD) Suzuki station wagon, jet ski, three Honda motorcycles, a Yamaha scooter and 36,000 pieces of bicycle tires and tire flaps.
In the media presentation of the seized items on Wednesday, Biazon said importer Cimberly Enterprises tried to pass the shipment of Suzuki station wagon and Honda motorcycles, which arrived at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) in October last year from Japan, as used mini-tractors, grass cutters, compressors, bicycles, motorbike parts and gasoline engines.
But upon X-Ray scanning of the container van, however, the misdeclaration was discovered. The combined dutiable value of the Cimberly Enterprises shipment was placed at P3 million.
On the other hand, Royal Halo Enterprises tried to bring into the country, also in October last year, 36,000 pieces of bicycle tires and tire flaps from China with an estimated dutiable value of P22 million as bicycle pumps, pedals and chains to avoid the 10 percent duties on tire importation.
The misdeclaration was, however, discovered by BOC-X-Ray officials, upon scanning of the 40-footer container van, at the MICP.
“It is never a wise idea to try to earn windfall profits by trying to shortchange 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 said.
“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 said.
For her part, BOC X-Ray Project head lawyer Lourdes Mangaoang also warned smugglers not to take chances of trying to slip into the country illegally imported good through misdeclaration saying that, ”Our scanners are three times more powerful than the ones being used in the United States.
The corresponding Alert Orders for the Cimberly Enterprises and Royal Halo Enterprises shipment were issued by MICP district collector Ricardo Belmonte Jr., upon recommendation of MICP-X-Ray Project officials.
Biazon has ordered the filing of appropriate charges against all those involved in the aforementioned illegal importation. (PNA)
DCT/RMA/JS/PR/utb
