BOC seizes P4.5-million gun magazines, big bikes

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) police yesterday seized P4.5 million worth of magazines from different firearms and three disassembled big bikes that were allegedly recently smuggled into the country.

In a report submitted by Customs police head Chief Superintendent Jose Yuchongco to Commissioner Napoleon Morales, he said they confiscated some of the contents of a 40-footer shipping container that came from the United States and arrived at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

The shipment that was consigned to Sunfreight Forwarders was said to contain 273 boxes of personal effects. However, the BOC discovered that 11 of the boxes were misdeclared.

Among the contraband found were three knocked-down big bikes, bottles of perfume and lotion, 378 gun magazines for .45 caliber pistols and M-16 rifles and several types of knives and bayonets.

In the documents provided by Yuchongco, the bikes were allegedly consigned to Julia Goitia of Palosapis street in Pilar Village, Las Piñas; the perfumes were supposed to have been delivered to Virgilio Flores of Tayabas street in San Pedro, Laguna and the third consignee is Jun Navarro who reportedly ordered the gun accessories and bladed weapons. These consignees are said to be first time offenders, Yuchongco said.

“The magazines have been confiscated and deposited to the Firearms and Explosives Division of the BOC. The Enforcement Security Service would also recommend that the Customs broker for the shipment be blacklisted,” he added.         – Evelyn Macairan