The Bureau of Customs (BOC) found approximately ₱1.4 billion worth of luxury vehicles, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maybach, and Maserati, from warehouses in Pasay and Parañaque, due to suspected smuggling activities.
On Thursday, Feb. 13, the BOC-Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) acted on information received from sources regarding luxury vehicles being sold online.
Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio said the operations demonstrated a more aggressive approach to enforcement, emphasizing the BOC's ability to detect possible illegal activities even after goods have left ports.
CIIS Director Verne Enciso added that the information was verified, and Letters of Authority (LOAs) and Mission Orders (MOs) were served to representatives at both locations.
The vehicles found in Pasay City included Ferrari LaFerrari, Lamborghini McLaren, Maserati, Rolls Royce, Mercedes Benz, Maybach, Range Rover, Bentley, Alphard, and Jeep Wrangler.
In Parañaque City, the team discovered Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Ferrari SF90 Stradale and Mansory, Mercedes-Benz V-Class, Maybach, and BMW.
While the estimated value is ₱1.4 billion, a final inventory will provide a precise figure. Customs Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy commended the team but emphasized the need for continued efforts to ensure compliance with customs laws.
The warehouses were sealed, and duty personnel were assigned to secure the premises. The owners, lessees, lessors, occupants, representatives, or any parties responsible for the warehouses have 15 days from receiving the LOAs to provide documentation proving proper payment of duties and taxes.
Failure to do so will result in charges under Sections 1400, 1401, and 1113 of Republic Act 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA). The BOC said it remains committed to combating smuggling.