Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, with BOC Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy inspected a shipment from Guinea, Africa misdeclared as spare parts on March 20, 2023.
Due to a suspicious image seen by NAIA Customs X-Ray Operatives, a physical examination was conducted by the Customs Examiner which yielded 58.93 kilograms of Shabu (Methamphetamine Hydrochloride), with a total estimated street value of Php400,724,000.00 as confirmed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
The Filipino male consignee with an address in Quezon City is currently undergoing investigation by PDEA for initiation of corresponding inquest proceedings for the violation of RA 9165 and RA 10863 also known as the Customs Modernization Act (CMTA).
Customs -NAIA said it will heighten its vigilance against illicit goods and border protection efforts to meet revenue targets and ensure secured trade.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Customs Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA), the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) and the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) apprehended a Korean passenger from Incheon International Airport via Asiana Airlines Flight number OZ701 for carrying undeclared foreign currency amounted to USD 167,300 or about P9.196 million in Philippine pesos on March 17, 2023, at the NAIA Terminal 1.
Through profiling of baggage and passengers conducted by the customs examiner, the undeclared foreign currency was found concealed in a book.
Before conducting the physical examination, the passengers were asked to submit their duly filled-out Customs Baggage Declaration Form and asked if they had anything to declare which the passenger replied “nothing”.
In the presence of the passengers, witnessed by the ESS and CIIS personnel, the subject baggage was physically examined by the BOC examiner with the presence of the Customs Flight Supervisor.
The examination resulted in the discovery of undeclared foreign currencies, with actual inventory amounting to USD167,300.
A ‘Held Baggage Receipt’ was issued to the passengers and the foreign currencies were recommended for the issuance of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) in violation of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) regulations of on Cross Border Transfer of Currencies and Section 1113 (L) of the Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
The passenger is now under the custody of the legal and investigation staff, Customs Police – NAIA for further investigation and possible filing of a case against him.
BOC reminds the public that based on existing rules, any person may bring in or out of the Philippines foreign currency up to USD10,000 or its equivalent in any other foreign currency without making a written declaration and accomplishing the Foreign Currency Declaration Form. In excess of which, the person is required to accomplish the Customs Baggage Declaration Form upon arrival and the Foreign Currency Declaration Form.
The BOC-NAIA under District Collector Mimel Talusan said it will remain committed to fulfilling the directives of BOC Commissioner Rubio in strengthening border protection and will continue to its efforts and initiatives aligned with the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. (JERRY S. TAN)
