P6-million worth of smuggled rewritable discs seized

CEBU, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs yesterday seized about P6 million worth of rewritable optical media discs which were smuggled into the Cebu Port.

Customs Commissioner Rufino Biazon led the seizure of the over 700,000 blank Digital Video Discs consigned to ZAKCHRIS General Merchandise in Mabolo, Cebu City.

The consignee allegedly did not have the required import permit from the Optical Media Board (OMB).

The smuggling attempt was foiled by the Customs X-Ray Inspection personnel who have made it a policy to check not only the contents of containerized cargoes but also the authenticity of documents presented by importers.

Lawyer Lourdes Mangaoang, national head of BOC’s X-Ray Inspection (XIP) Project, said the illegal shipment was stuffed in a 20-foot container van from Taiwan.

The shipment arrived at the Port of Cebu in March 9 on board M/V Cape Franklin.

Mangaoang said the consignee submitted a fake import permit based on the certification issued by the office of OMB chair and chief executive officer Ronnie Ricketts.

The commercial distribution, reproduction, sale, lease or public exhibition of optical media discs are subject to the issuance of commercial permit by the OMB.

Biazon said the consignee will not only lost the entire value of the illegal shipment but also the privilege of doing business with the BOC.

He also ordered the company’s removal from the list of accredited importers and the filing of a criminal complaint.

Cebu District Port Collector Ronnie Silvestre who issued the initial Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the illegal shipment warned the importers against using the Port of Cebu as an entry point for smuggled goods.

He said “stricter safeguards have been put in place to make smuggling a risky and losing proposition in our customs zone.” — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/FPL (THE FREEMAN)