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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Customs seizes P9.5-B smuggled goods this year

Customs seizes P9.5-B smuggled goods this year

Published Dec 17, 2020 01:32 pm

The government seized an estimated P9.52 billion-worth of smuggled goods since January this year, more than half of which came from illicit cigarettes, the Bureau of Customs said.

In a report submitted to Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III, Deputy Customs Commissioner Vener Baquiran, said the bureau apprehended P5.05 billion-worth of smuggled cigarettes and other tobacco products from various ports this year.

(MANILA BULLETIN)

Baquiran disclosed that tobacco products accounted for 53 percent of the total amount of goods seized by the bureau since January.

“The BOC seized an estimated P9.52 billion-worth of smuggled goods, of which over half were illicit tobacco products,” Baquiran said.

Earlier, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III directed the Customs and the Bureau of Internal Revenue to intensify their campaign against illicit cigarette trade due to substantial excise tax increases on tobacco products.

Dominguez explained there was a need for heightened government vigilance against the illicit manufacture and sale of tobacco products as the recent increase in “sin” taxes incentivized illegal traders to resort to smuggling and tax evasion.

Aside from tobacco products, Customs also confiscated P32.59 million-worth of various types of currency, and illegal drugs valued at P1.85 billion,

There were also general merchandise worth P413.89 million, vehicles and automobile accessories valued at P354.53 million, and agricultural products amounting to about P238.49 million, Baquiran said.

The bureau also seized counterfeit goods worth P1.02 billion; foodstuff, P200 million; personal protective equipment (PPEs), medical supplies and cosmetics, P195.57 million; jewelry and other products, P68.89 million.

Likewise, Customs confiscated used clothing, P48.09 million; electronics goods, P31.07 million; chemicals, P5 million; steel products, P4.76 million; alcoholic beverages, P2.43 million; and firearms, P300,000. Meanwhile, the bureau filed 70 criminal cases against 244 suspected smugglers from January up to the first week of December and padlocked 19 customs bonded warehouses (CBWs) for various violations.

Baquiran said another 40 members of customs common bonded warehouses (CCBWs) were also closed down during the same period.

He added that the Customs was able to inspect 151 CBWs and 249 members of CCBWs since January.

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