P2.5 M hot scooters, TV sets confiscated

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Agents of the Bureau of Customs (BoC) office here confiscated close to P2.5 million worth of smuggled motorcycle scooters, television sets and other electronic equipment contained in a 40-footer container van at the Naval Supply Depot (NSD) compound yesterday.

Atty. Alexander Arcilla, BoC Subic Port Collector, said items were confiscated because they were misdeclared. But prior to the spot check on the container van, the shipment has already been placed on an "alert order status".

The smuggled items include 90 units of Dio scooters, 100 used television sets, various motorcycle and bumper parts, air compressor, and VHS units with a total value of close to P2.5 million.

Deputy Collector for Assessment Atty. Andres Salvacion said the scooters were hidden under used television sets imported from Japan by the Human Freight Logistics Inc. to prevent Customs officials from detecting the presence of the contraband.

The smuggled items have been placed in a Customs warehouse here after Arcilla issued a warrant of seizure and detention (WSD) for violation of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines.

The seized items will be scheduled for auction later, Customs officials said.