BOC auctions smuggled vehicles; ‘MJ’ seized in Clark

On May 2, 2022

Pricey catch. MICP-CIIS chief, Alvin Enciso, examines the 2016 Nissan GTR sports car, which was among the three luxury vehicles they seized at the port last June 9, 2021. The others are one 2021 model Toyota Land Cruiser and one 2020 model Chevrolet Camaro . Some of these vehicles ended up at the auction block last April 27, 2022 (photo courtesy of BOC-PIAD/stock photo)..

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC), thru the Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group (AOCG) and the Auction and Cargo Disposal Division, generated more than P6 million in non-traditional revenue with the successful auction last April 27, 2022, of six smuggled luxury vehicles that were seized on their arrival last year.

Atty. Edward Dy Buco, AOCG deputy commissioner, in a report to Comm. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, said the auction was conducted in a transparent manner with representatives from the Bureau of Treasury (BTr) and Land Bank also in attendance comprising the government’s ‘Inter-Agency Auction Committee.’

The forfeited luxury vehicles consisted of one unit each of used Porsche Boxster 2001, used Mercedes Benz SLK350 2001, used Ferrari Scuderia 430 2008, used Mercedes Benz SLK55 2001, used Mercedes Benz E220 2011, and a brand-new Mercedes Benz G500.

The said vehicles were consigned to JLDFM Consumer Good Trading and Frebel Enterprise, and were seized at the Manila International Container Port and the Port of Manila, respectively.

Upon 100 percent physical examination, it was found out that the luxury vehicles were undeclared, resulting to their seizure and forfeiture for violation of Section 1113 of RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (see also Pinoy Exposé article of June 10, 2021).

The used Mercedes SLK350 2001 and SLK55 2001 were both sold to RMCE Metal Products while the Mercedes Benz G500 was sold to Mopen Trading Corporation.

The plastic packs of kush marijuana from Spain immediately seized by the Bureau of Customs on arrival at the Port of Clark (photo credit: BOC-PIAD).

Meanwhile, the Port of Clark announced the seizure of two shipments of “kush” marijuana from Spain on two separate occasions valued at P392,700.

POC district collector, Alexandra Lumontad, in a belated report to Comm. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, said the first shipment arrived Madrid, Spain, arrived last March 27, 2022 while the second shipment, from Barcelona, arrived last April 3, 2022.

The shipments were subjected to x-ray scanning upon their arrival which revealed images of organic substances that prompted the conduct of a 100 percent physical examination.

This led to the discovery of 2 plastic pouches containing dried leaves, buds, and stems in the shipment from Madrid.

Meanwhile, 3 vacuum-sealed packs were found in the shipment from Barcelona which were suspected to be Marijuana.

The PDEA K9 units also indicated the possible presence of illegal drugs.

Lumontad said both shipments have been turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for safekeeping and further investigation.

Records show that it would be the first time this year that illegal drugs coming from Spain have been shipped to the Philippines.

“The BOC-Port of Clark will continue to strictly implement Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero and President Rodrigo Duterte’s mandate to secure the Philippine borders against the importation of illegal drugs,” Lumontad said in a brief statement.