On February 13, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), through its Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), uncovered more or less P1.4 billion worth of imported luxury vehicles from warehouses located in Pasay and Parañaque.
BOC-CIIS initiated the operation after receiving photos of luxury vehicles allegedly smuggled and sold online, and was directed to confirm the legality of their importation and ensure that the required duties and taxes were paid.
Additionally, the agency identified the sellers as AC Che Gong Miao in Pasay City and TopCar Specialist and Trading Corp. in Parañaque City.
CIIS Director Verne Enciso confirmed that the BOC-CIIS team found luxury vehicles at the establishments upon their arrival and served the Letters of Authority (LOAs) and Mission Orders (MOs) to the representatives at the scene.
LOOK: Mga hinihinalang smuggled luxury vehicles na nadiskubre ng Bureau of Customs sa ilang bodega sa Pasay at Parañaque na ibinebenta pa online | RH 15 Jecelle Ricafort, DZRH News
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) February 14, 2025
📷: BOC pic.twitter.com/g8GJ6BsSmc
Meanwhile, BOC Commissioner Bien Rubio emphasized that the operation represents a new approach in the Bureau's strategies to combat smuggling and ensure the collection of rightful revenues for the government.
"It sends a message to all importers who think they’re already safe after their products have entered Philippine territory thru illegal forms and means. We want them to know that we have eyes everywhere. We are not stopping, and we are not slowing down. We’re always one step ahead of them," he added.
Operatives sealed the warehouse doors and deployed duty personnel to maintain security at the location.
The owners, lessees, lessors, occupants, representatives, or any responsible parties were given 15 days from receiving the LOAs to submit documents verifying that the proper duties and taxes were paid.
Failure to provide the required documents will result in charges under Sections 1400 and 1401, in relation to Section 1113 of Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
