TWO containers of misdeclared stainless angle bars from China with an estimated worth of P3.7 million have been seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Port of Manila.
In a statement, BOC Deputy Commissioner Raniel T. Ramiro said that the shipments filled with stainless angle bars were consigned by the Liuzhiga International.
The containers arrived at the Port of Manila on October 19, 2019.
“The Bureau’s intelligence unit has received a report from our reliable source that a certain shipment violated the Customs laws by gross misdeclaration in quality description of goods,” Ramiro said.
The Intelligence Group-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services (IG-CIIS) immediately coordinated with the Port of Manila District Collector Arsenia Ilagan to conduct an inspection on the shipment on Monday.
During the spot check, the authorities found stainless angle bars and steel sheets, contrary to the declaration by the consignee.
An alert order was immediately issued on Tuesday against the shipment pursuant to Section 1111 of the Republic Act 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention will be issued against the shipment for violation of Section of 1400 in relation to Section 1113 of the CMTA.
“Further investigation is being conducted by the Customs prior to filing of appropriate charges against the personalities involved in the smuggling of goods,” Ramiro said.