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The Bureau of Customs filed a total of 79 cases against 167 erring importers and customs brokers in the first half of the year
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Of the total cases, 47 were criminal cases against various importers before the Department of Justice, while 32 were administrative cases filed against customs brokers before the Philippine Regulatory Commission
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The cases involved a combined total of P1.2 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes, general merchandise, agricultural products, medicines, and other commodities
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has filed a total of 79 cases against erring importers and customs brokers for the first six months of 2021 concerning smuggled commodities worth P1.2 billion.
The cases involved 167 individuals composed of importers and customs brokers who have allegedly violated Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), and other pertinent laws, BOC said in a statement.
Of the total, 47 were criminal cases filed against various importers before the Department of Justice, while 32 were administrative cases filed against customs brokers before the Philippine Regulatory Commission.
This as the Bureau’s Action Team Against Smugglers (BATAS) under the Legal Service of the agency has intensified its action against erring importers and customs brokers who have violated Customs laws, rules, and regulations.
Data from BATAS show the cases involved unlawful importation of cigarettes valued at P622 million, followed by general merchandise amounting to almost P369 million, agricultural products valued at around P158.5 million, medicines at P47.2 million, and other commodities amounting to P27 million.
From 2020 to January 8, 2021, BOC has filed a total of 127 cases against erring importers and customs brokers for violating the provisions of the CMTA and other pertinent laws.
