P80-M worth of contraband seized

Various smuggled goods, including three luxury vehicles, rice and sugar, valued at P80 million, were seized by Customs agents at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) yesterday.

Bureau of Customs (BOC) chief Renato Ampil, accompanied by Interior Secretary Alfredo Lim, and Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence and Enforcement Group (IEG) George Jereos, witnessed the opening of some 10 container vans for physical inspection.

The shipments from Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, and South Africa were consigned to five importers namely Syorkor Enterprises (cars), Bonman Trading care-of Ricardo Manalang (Maling Pork Luncheon Meat), Ronco Jarin et.al.-Dreamland Customs Brokerage (assorted merchandise), Louis Maclean Far East Inc. (wines) and Navarsas Trading/We Sound Enterprises (Thai white rice).

Found in a 40-foot container from Japan was an undeclared 1996 Nissan Terrano V6. A Toyota Prado and a Hilux pick-up were also reported although not listed in the inventory of seized goods.