P72 M worth of smuggled rhinoceros horns seized

MANILA, Philippines - Bureau of Customs (BOC) agents seized P72-million worth of smuggled rhinoceros horns from Mozambique in Africa at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service chief Fernandino Tuason said his men accidentally stumbled upon the contraband.

They are investigating the identity of the consignee and the Customs broker, he added.

Tuason said the 20-footer container van arrived last Aug. 25 and was filled with cashew nuts.

“During inspection, the BOC personnel were poking the contents of the container van and they were surprised when they hit on a hard object,” he said. “When they opened the contents, they discovered the rhinoceros horns.”

Tuason said found inside the van were six pieces of rhinoceros horns with a total weight of 13 kilos.

“It appears that the horns are turned to powder and used as alternative medicine which some believe could be used to cure diseases such as cancer, leukemia and malaria,” he said.

Tuason said pulverized rhino horn is believed to be an ingredient in traditional medicine in some Asian countries like Laos, Vietnam and China.

Chinese, South Koreans and other Asians in the country might be interested in buying the product imported from the Africa, he added.

The rhino horns were seized for violating the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

Car smugglers

Six people were charged yesterday before the Department of Justice for smuggling and attempting to smuggle 23 vehicles worth about P18 million.

Charged were Alejandro Alberto Milanes, Chui Myung Jong, Johanna Lariosa, Lee Mee Lee, Felimer Lee and Godofredo Gimongla.

Speaking to reporters, Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon said a Manila court sentenced forwarder Danilo Villar and his Customs broker Danilo Opiniano to eight years and one day to nine years in prison last July 12 for violating the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines.

“The recent conviction of Villar and Opiniano has encouraged us to strive even more in the fight against smuggling,” he said.

“And today’s (Thursday’s) filing of smuggling cases against these car importers is proof of our determination to curb smuggling in the country.

“We will spare no one in our campaign against smuggling, no matter who are the people behind it.”

Biazon said Milanes’ two 40-container vans arrived at the Mindanao Container Terminal at Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental in May and June last year.

They were misdeclared as used industrial equipment but were found to contain two Mercedez Benz vehicles, a Ford Explorer 4x4, a Dodge Durango, four Toyota Vitz, Starex and Sorento, among other vehicles, he added.

Milanes’ shipment had a total value of P13 million, Biazon said.

On the other hand, nine imported vehicles of various brands parked at the Total Golden Motor Care Inc. office at Mabolo, Cebu, with a total value of P5 million, were found to have no required import permit.– With Sandy Araneta