MANILA -- As part of its intensified efforts against technical smuggling, the Port of Cebu seized last Friday, August 20, misdeclared shipment containing Brand New Motor Grader and Parts worth P2,267,550.00.

Declared as Used Motor Grader and Parts, the shipment arrived at the Port on August 17, 2021 from China. X-ray scanning images from the X-Ray Inspection Project (XIP) Team, however, appeared suspicious, prompting the conduct of 100% physical examination upon the shipment.

Accordingly, the assigned Customs Examiner and representatives from the XIP, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, Enforcement and Security Service, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and Philippine Coast Guard proceeded to thoroughly examine the shipment and found it to actually contain Brand-New Motor Grader and Parts contrary to its declaration.

Acting District Collector Charlito Martin R. Mendoza immediately issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the shipment after finding probable cause for misdeclaration, in violation of Section 1113 (F), (I), and (L-3,4, & 5) in relation to Section 1400 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

"Time and again, we remind the importers to properly declare their goods. The Port employs several layers of examination, from profiling, document-checking, x-ray scanning, to physical examination to ensure that the correct amount of duties and taxes are collected. We will not hesitate in issuing a Warrant of Seizure and Detention for importations whose declarations vary from their actual contents," warned District Collector Mendoza.

The seized shipment will under seizure and forfeiture proceedings in accordance with established rules and regulations. (BOC)

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