‘BATAS’ files fresh suits against suspected smugglers

The Bureau of Customs’ Action Team Against Smugglers (BATAS) last Friday, October 23, 2020, filed criminal charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against two alleged smugglers of agricultural products.

In a statement, the BOC identified the erring importers as, ‘Santo Nino Marketmarket Co.’ (SNMC) and, ‘Navotas Fish Traders Association Market’ (NFTAM).

Deputy Commissioner Atty. Vener Baquiran, head of BATAS, said their investigation showed that SNMC misdeclared their importation of “squid balls, Peking duck, and chicken wings” which arrived last June 16, 2019 at the Port of Manila (POM).

On the other hand, NFTAM is being sued also for misdeclaring its shipment of ‘frozen bonito’ which arrived last October 2019 at the nearby Manila International Container Port (MICP).

BATAS records also disclosed that already, 41 smuggling cases and violations of related laws have already been filed by the unit against those found violating customs laws and regulations.

Also, last October 23, 2020, POM district collector, Michael Angelo DC Vargas, announced the condemnation of P21 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and counterfeiting machines.

Among those condemned were 2,305 reams of illegal and smuggled cigarettes with brand names, ‘Marvel,’ ‘Two Moon,’ ‘Mighty’ and, ‘Astro.’

Machines used to create counterfeit cigarettes and cigarette packaging were also among those ordered destroyed thru the process of dismantling, crushing, and shredding.

A day earlier at the NAIA, district collector Atty. Carmelita ‘Mimel’ Talusan also reported the condemnation of nearly 25 tons of assorted products valued at more than P10 million.

Talusan said the condemned goods involved vape products, cosmetics, expired medicines/supplements, and other hazardous and unsafe goods which came through the NAIA at various dates without import and registration permits.

The goods were condemned thru ‘Pyrolisis’ at the Integrated Waste Management facility in Trece Martires, Cavite, on October 17 and 19, 2020 and was witnessed by representatives from other government agencies.