Various smuggled firecrackers worth P5 million seized by the Bureau of Customs at the Port of Manila were recently turned over to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The 40-foot container containing the assorted firecrackers were brought to a blasting site in Sta. Juana in Capaz, Tarlac last July 25 for disposition, the bureau said Saturday.
The shipment was consigned to Wealth Lotus Empire Corporation and was seized due to misdeclaration.
According to the bureau, the shipment was declared as “plastic bins.”
The importation violated Republic Act 7183 or An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices and Section 1113 (f) of Republic Act 10863 or CMTA (Property subject to Seizure and Forfeiture).
Prior to disposition, which is in accordance with Section 1146 of CMTA (Disposition of Regulated Goods), the shipment has been overstaying at the Port of Manila.
The turnover and disposition operation was witnessed by representatives from the Port of Manila Auction and Cargo Disposal Division, intelligence and enforcement unit and the PNP- Firearms and Explosives Office.
In June, the Customs bureau also turned over abandoned and forfeited shipments of firearms and accessories to the Philippine National Police.
These include 17 pieces of riflescope, four pieces front and four pieces rear sights, telescopic sights, airsoft knights SR-16 Carbine, 10 pieces Kevlar helmets, breast plates, eight cans of pellets and gun magazine, bullet proof vest and assorted gun parts.
The bureau said these prohibited items were turned over to the PNP, which is the mandated agency to handle the seized importations.