BOC intercepts smuggled gun parts

MANILA, Philippines - Bureau of Customs (BOC) personnel foiled an attempt to smuggle gun parts, hidden in electric water heaters, out of the country last May 10, officials said yesterday.

The lower receivers of two Armscor pistols, a .45 caliber with an empty magazine and a 9mm, were seized at the Thomas Nationwide Transportation warehouse at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City last May 10.

The pistols were each stashed in a water heater and the two parcels were consigned to Christopher Yeung of Hong Kong and a certain Lau of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, the BOC said.

Alfonso Martin Sanchez, 21, was arrested when he asked about the status of the parcels, said Maj. Jaybee Cometa, head of the X-ray Inspection Project, and Customs District III Collector Ed Macabeo.

Sanchez failed to produce permits for the gun parts, officials said. He was charged with violating Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and RA 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The BOC said Sanchez is out on bail.