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The Bureau of Customs filed a total of 131 cases against importers and customs brokers for the first nine months of the year
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Of the total, 75 criminal cases were filed by Bureau’s Action Team Against Smugglers of the Legal Service before the Department of Justice
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56 administrative cases were filed against customs brokers before the Philippine Regulatory Commission
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The bulk of the cases involved unlawful importation of cigarettes valued at P897.1 million
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) filed of a total of 131 cases against importers and customs brokers from January to September for violation of various customs rules.
Of the total, 75 criminal cases were filed by Bureau’s Action Team Against Smugglers (BATAS) of the Legal Service before the Department of Justice. The cases involved 242 individuals (both importers and customs brokers) for violation of Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and other pertinent laws, the bureau said in a statement.
In addition, 56 administrative cases were filed against customs brokers before the Philippine Regulation Commission.
Data from BATAS show the cases involved unlawful importation of cigarettes valued at P897.1 million; general merchandise, P220.9 million; agricultural products, P85.2 million; motor vehicles, P46.3 million; steel, P26.2 million; and other commodities, P39.1 million.
