- 2 importers, customs broker charged in P32M smuggling case
- The cases stem from the alleged misdeclaration of cigarettes and assorted goods
- UHE Trading was charged with misdeclaration and unlawful importation of 950 cartons of cigarettes from China on January 18
- Jack Electronic Metal Inc. and its customs broker were likewise charged for alleged misdeclaring and unlawfully importing assorted goods
- Since January this year, BOC has filed 22 criminal cases against 65 individuals and licensed customs brokers, as well as administrative cases against six licensed customs brokers
Two importers and a customs broker are facing criminal complaints for alleged smuggling of cigarettes and assorted goods amounting to a total of P32 million.
The first case filed by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) before the Department of Justice (DOJ) was against UHE Trading for alleged misdeclaration and unlawful importation of 950 cartons of cigarettes in Cagayan De Oro from China on January 18 this year. The goods were estimated to be worth P32.2 million, BOC said in a statement.
UHE Trading is accused of violating Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA); Customs Memorandum Order No. 20-2006; RA 10963, or Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law; National Tobacco Administration (NTA) Board Resolution No. 079-2005; and NTA Memorandum Circular No. 03, series of 2004.
The second case was filed against Jack Electronic Metal Inc. and its licensed customs broker for allegedly misdeclaring and unlawfully importing assorted goods. The shipment, valued at P78,692.92, came from the United States and arrived at Subic port on September 27, 2021.
The respondents allegedly violated the CMTA; RA 6969, otherwise known as the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990; Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order 2013-22; and the Revised Penal Code, as amended.
Since January this year, BOC has filed 22 criminal cases involving 65 individuals and licensed customs brokers before the DOJ, and administrative cases against six licensed customs brokers before the Professional Regulation Commission.
