BOC-Port of Cebu seizes P4.5M worth of 'ukay-ukay'

Photo courtesy of  Bureau of Customs-Port of Cebu
Photo courtesy of Bureau of Customs-Port of Cebu

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Cebu seized on Thursday, July 15, 2021, P4.5 million worth of used clothing locally known as “ukay-ukay” from Thailand.

The shipment was subjected to 100-percent physical examination after Acting District Collector Charlito Martin R. Mendoza issued a Pre-Lodgement Control Order upon the request of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS)-Cebu based on derogatory information received by the BOC from the Thai Customs Department.

The shipment was examined by Customs Examiner Ricardo Jose V. Collantes, together with the representatives from 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.

The shipment yielded 588 bales and 16 sacks of used clothing contrary to the electronic manifest indicating it contained household items.

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was immediately issued against the shipment after finding probable cause for violation of Section 1113 (F) and (L-5) in relation to Section 118 (G) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and Republic Act No. 4653 prohibiting the importation of used clothing.

“We thank our Thai Customs counterpart for sharing with us their intelligence report on the shipment,” said District Collector Mendoza, who also lauded the CIIS for their immediate action on the matter.

He stressed the importance of international cooperation among customs agencies in the fight against smuggling.

The seized articles, after finality of the forfeiture proceedings, will be disposed of in accordance with existing customs rules and regulations. (PR)

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