P40 million smuggled firecrackers seized at MICP

MANILA, Philippines — Firecrackers allegedly smuggled from China amounting to P40 million were intercepted recently in separate operations by the Bureau of Customs.

BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said there have been six previous attempts to smuggle firecrackers into the country this year.

Nepomuceno and Col. Ranier Valores, chief of the police Civil Security Group, yesterday inspected the shipments that arrived on separate dates at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

Among the firecrackers found inside two shipping containers were piccolo, kwitis and fountains.

Nepomuceno said the consignees of the shipments have legitimate businesses, but were still lured to smuggle firecrackers to earn big profits.

Nepomuceno said their counterparts from China provided the BOC Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service with derogatory information about the shipments.

The first cargo reportedly misdeclared as shelves arrived at the MICP on June 6. It was reportedly consigned to Unihome Tech Inc. in Meycauayan, Bulacan.

The second shipment misdeclared as ceramic cups arrived on July 22 and was allegedly consigned to Onig Household Supplies in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

“Aside from the government losing taxes from the illegal importation of firecrackers, these items also pose health risks, especially to children,” Nepomuceno said.

The seized firecrackers will be turned over to the Philippine National Police for destruction.