BOC confiscates 6 luxury cars

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized six secondhand luxury vehicles, worth a total of P35 million, that were smuggled into the Manila International Container Port (MICP) from the United States, an official said yesterday.

A 2007 Hummer H2, a black 2007 Lincoln Navigator, a blue 2008 Cadillac Escalade and three 2007 Cadillac Escalades in ivory, white and black were found in three 40-foot shipping containers.

BOC-MICP district collector Ricardo Belmonte said the cars arrived in June without an import entry and other necessary documents. “It is already beyond the 30 day period, but no entry has been filed, so we could already seize these vehicles,” he said, adding that he will soon issue a warrant of seizure and detention.

The vehicles, which came from New York, were reportedly consigned to LG Miranda Transport Services, a firm whose listed address is at the Uniwide Coastal Mall.

BOC-Enforcement Service director Horacio Suansing Jr. said the vehicles will be put up for auction.

BOC Commissioner Angelito Alvarez ordered a post-entry audit to determine if the consignee had been involved in similar cases.