THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Cebu apprehended about P4.4 million worth of smuggled used clothes and goods or “ukay-ukay” misdeclared as hotel supplies, at Pier 6 on Sept. 7, 2020.
In a statement the BOC Port of Cebu issued on Sept. 15, it said Acting District Collector and lawyer Charlito Martin Mendoza issued a Pre-Lodgment Control Order against the shipment which was allegedly consigned to a certain Chenelyn Ortis.
This was upon an advance intelligence information provided by the Intelligence Group’s Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (IG-CIIS), Port of Cebu.
Customs Examiner Ronor Alinsug then led a complete physical examination together with the CIIS, Enforcement and Security Service, X-Ray Inspection Project Team, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Chamber of Customs Brokers Inc. Cebu Chapter.
Contrary to the shipment declaration in the manifest, the container held 635 bales of used clothing and other goods.
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was immediately issued against the shipment. Republic Act No. 4653 prohibits the importation of used clothing into the country.
Mendoza reiterated the Port of Cebu’s commitment to sustain its anti-smuggling campaign.
He further explained that intelligence sharing and nationwide coordination among ports and the head office is one of the anti-smuggling strategies employed by the bureau to enhance border security and customs law enforcement. (WBS with PR)