P10.9-M laptop computers seized at NAIA

Customs inspectors at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), wondering why two shipments of what had been declared as 192 laptop bags would weigh 982 kilos, found that each bag contained a laptop computer.

In a press statement, Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales said the two shipments of laptops worth $230,400 (or P10.92 million) arrived from Hong Kong at the NAIA last Sept. 27.

The consignee, Hanjo Corp., based in Sta. Mesa, Manila, declared that the two shipments consisted of 192 bags valued at a total of $1,920 and weighing 419 kilos.

Personnel at the Office of the Commissioner (OCOM) Monitoring Unit, however, became suspicious when the cargo tipped the scales at significantly more than its declared weight.

Upon inspection, the Customs personnel found that the cargo did contain bags, but in each bag was a Lenovo 2005 Ideapad Y430, valued at $1,200 or P57,000.

Both shipments, aside from being misdeclared, did not possess import permits issued by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

“I have ordered the seizure proceedings and inventory to be finalized immediately so that we may auction these off,” Morales said. He also ordered the immediate filing of charges against the importer.