BOC seizes 3 vehicles declared as spare parts

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Tuesday it had intercepted an attempt to smuggle three vehicles declared as auto spare parts in Cagayan de Oro City.

In a news release, the Customs said operatives of the BOC-Port of Cagayan de Oro seized the shipment, which arrived at the Sub-Port of Mindanao Container Terminal on February 12, 2024, from Japan.

The shipment in question was declared to contain 55 packages of used auto spare parts. 

The BOC said its Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services, Enforcement and Security Service, and X-ray Inspection Project jointly requested the Port of Cagayan de Oro’s District Collector Alexandra Lumontad to issue an alert order for a full physical examination of the subject shipment after receiving derogatory information concerning the shipment.

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

“Based on the examination report, the vehicles were assessed with aggregate landed costs, including duties, taxes, and other charges, in the amount of P6.7 million,” the BOC said.

The bureau said a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) has been 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 (CMTA).

“The prompt measures undertaken by the Port of CDO are truly commendable and will serve as a clear reminder for transnational crime syndicates that we in the BOC are taking our job seriously with unwavering dedication to protecting the integrity of the nation’s supply chain,” said BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio. — VBL, GMA Integrated News