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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider BOC files smuggling raps vs. cigarette, 'ukay-ukay' importers

BOC files smuggling raps vs. cigarette, 'ukay-ukay' importers

Published Feb 18, 2021 12:33 pm

Two importers are facing smuggling charges for bringing in shipments of counterfeit cigarettes and used clothes to the country.

(PIXABAY / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) through its Bureau’s Action Team Against Smugglers (BATAS), filed criminal cases against YJC International Corporation and MBS Cargo Movers Co. before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with the alleged misdeclaration and illegal importation of counterfeit and prohibited goods.

YJC was rapped for alleged unlawful importation and misdeclaration of 79,950 reams of counterfeit cigarettes amounting to P76.8 million. The items, declared by the consignee as "plastic frames and sheets", were seized on Jan. 3, 2021 at the Manila International Container Port.

MBS was also charged for alleged illegal importation and misdeclaration of 344 boxes of "ukay-ukay" or used clothes, which were declared as "used personal effects". The items were intercepted on August 10, 2020 at the same port.

According to the bureau, the consignees and their brokers were charged for various violations of Republic Act (R.A.) 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, R.A.No. 4653 (An Act to Safeguard the Health of the People and Maintain the Dignity of the Nation by Declaring it a National Policy to Prohibit the Commercial Importation of Textile Articles Commonly Known as Used Clothing and Rags), R.A. 10963 (TRAIN Law), R.A. 8293 (Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines), The Revised Penal Code, and National Tobacco Administration rules and regulations.

Administrative cases will also be filed against the erring licensed Customs brokers of the consignees.

“The filing of the cases reiterates the commitment of the bureau in 2021 and so on, to prevent any unlawful importation of goods into the country as well as to hold liable erring natural and judicial entities under the law,” Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero said.

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