BOC intercepts misdeclared backhoe, forklift at Manila port

The Bureau of Customs seized a shipment loaded with industrial trucks were seized at the Port of Manila.(Photo: Bureau of Customs PH/ Facebook)

MANILA—The Bureau of Customs seized a shipment loaded with industrial trucks were seized at the Port of Manila.

According to Maj. Jaybee Raul Cometa, head of the BOC’s X-Ray Inspection Project, the misdeclared heavy equipment were unraveled after X-ray machines revealed a backhoe and forklift inside which prompted them to apprehend the shipment on April 23.

The imported items, declared as a shipment of carbon wire, arrived from China on April 17.

On the other hand, Deputy Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, head of the Enforcement Group noted that owner of Upairi Trading, located on Beaterio Street, Intramuros, Manila, and the company’s broker could face charges for smuggling the shipment into the country.

“The shipment will be subjected to a thorough examination so we can get more information about its content,” he said in a statement.

The BOC official has recommended the issuance of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) against UpairiTrading for possible violation of Section 1400 and Sec. 1401 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act of 2016 (CMTA).

Section 1401 (e) of the CMTA states that the penalty for misdeclaration is imprisonment of not less than six years and one day but not more than 12 years, or a fine of not less than PHP1.5 million but not more than PHP15 million or both, if the appraised value of the goods unlawfully imported, including duties and taxes, exceeds PHP5 million but not more than PHP50 million.

For his part, Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon has recommended the filing of criminal cases against the violators.

“I have warned you to stop all your illegal activities under my watch or face the consequences,” he said addressing importers and brokers.