Customs sues importers of P89 million cigarettes, cars

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has filed criminal charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against the importers of cigarettes and seven high-end cars with an estimated market value of P89 million.

The BOC filed a complaint for violation of Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and Intellectual Property Code against Shemala International Commercial Equipment Wholesaling and its customs broker for the allegedly unlawful importation of assorted cigarettes amounting to P69,744,668.31 at the Port of Subic on Aug. 2.

The BOC also filed charges against JLFDM Consumer Goods Trading for allegedly smuggling used luxury cars – Ferrari Scuderia, Mercedes Benz, Porsche Boxster and Toyota MRS – as well as bales of used clothing and other goods amounting to P19,520,589.22.

The shipments reportedly arrived at the Manila International Container Port and were confiscated by agents of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service on May 23.

The suspected smuggled items originated from Japan.

The BOC has filed 69 complaints before the DOJ against 220 companies and customs brokers.

The bureau also lodged administrative cases against 48 licensed customs brokers before the Professional Regulation Commission.