BOC SEIZES P33 MILLION ‘SUPER SPORTS CAR’

THE Port of Manila early today confiscated a brand new, ‘McLaren 620R’ “super sports car” after its importer misdeclared the shipment to avoid paying the right duties and taxes due to the government.

At a ‘virtual press conference,’ POM district collector, Michael Angelo Vargas and BOC spokesman, Atty. Vincent ‘Jett’ Maronilla, identified the erring consignee as, ‘Llorin Trading’ and the customs broker as, Christine Joyce Tabusares.

Maronilla said the shipment, which arrived from Hongkong last July 16, 2020, was declared by the consignee as a “brand new” ‘Porsche Cayman’ sports car, whose features is somewhat similar to a McLaren 620R, which, however, commands a much higher price.

He added the consignee merely paid P1.5 million in duties and taxes, which is way below the actual duties and taxes of more than P16 million as a brand-new McLaren 620R sells locally at more than P33 million.

Vargas said he immediately placed the shipment on alert after receiving intelligence information from the Intelligence Group under deputy commissioner Ranier Ramiro.

Moronilla added that smuggling charges are now being readied against the consignee and Tabusares.

Today’s apprehension was the second time the POM busted a major smuggling attempt since Vargas assumed the post as district collector last month.

Last July 29, 2020, Vargas also presented to the media, 2X20 container vans of smuggled agricultural products (carrots), cigarettes, auto parts and used clothing from China worth more than P3.4 million.

Aside from immediately revoking the customs accreditation of the erring consignees and customs brokers, cases for smuggling and economic sabotage are also to be filed against them, Vargas and Maronilla said at the time.