MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has filed charges against 73 traders and brokers who allegedly tried to smuggle P356.1 million worth of goods during the first quarter of the year.
In a recent report, the BOC said its Bureau’s Action Team Against Smugglers filed 24 cases against 73 importers, exporters and brokers for violating Republic Act 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
The bureau also filed six administrative cases against the brokers before the Professional Regulation Commission.
Records show the respondents are accused of smuggling P160.4 million worth of fake cigarettes; agricultural products, P131.4 million; motor vehicles, P49.4 million; general merchandise, P7.7 million; and other commodities, P7.2 million.
The BOC said it is intensifying its anti-smuggling efforts in response to calls from various sectors, including Congress, to tighten up monitoring at the ports to stop tax leakages.