Seizure proceedings underway for six smuggled vehicles

CEBU, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs has issued a warrant of seizure and detention against six used Korean vehicles that were found smuggled into the Cebu International Port by a Manila-based accredited importer.

Cebu Customs District Collector Ronnie Silvestre said he already sent a notice of seizure proceedings to the consignee, Aya Day Trading. Silvestre said he will also recommend to the Run After The Smugglers (RATS) unit to file the appropriate charges against the consignee for violation of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines.

Silvestre said that the importer might be delisted from the list of accredited importers of the BOC as soon as the appropriate charges are filed in court.

The BOC found last Wednesday the six smuggled vehicles in a 40-footer van from Korea which was declared as replacement parts.

The shipment which include three units of Hyundai Sonata, HD Grandeur, Kia Spectra and DW Matiz is valued at P3 million to P5 million. Importation of used vehicles is banned under the Executive Order 156.  (FREEMAN)