Customs seizes 5 luxury cars for tariff violations

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized five secondhand luxury vehicles, with an estimated value of P10 million, that arrived at the Port of Manila for alleged violations of the country’s tariff and customs code.

In a statement, the BOC said POM district collector Arnel Alcaraz issued separate warrants of seizure and detention of three Porsche Carreras, a Jaguar and a BMW.

The claimant for the BMW M5 Model 2003 was reportedly a certain Jose Manuel Lagdameo. It arrived last May 13 from Somerville, Massachusetts on board the S/S Luo Ba He.

Amelia Dizon Manas was the consignee for a 1994 model Jaguar that arrived May 9 from Oakland, California on board the S/S Ever Safety.

A 1995 Porsche Carrera from Oakland, California, USA was consigned to Ruby Roa, while a 1996 Porsche Carrera was consigned to Alfredo Roa.

A third Carrera, a 1994 model, is said to be consigned to Maria Ana Saunar.

“Based on Formal Entry Division recommendations, there is no prima facie evidence of fraud committed as it was properly declared in the entry. However, the seized luxury cars lack the Bureau of Import Services (BIS) authority to import, an administrative procedure violation and does not constitute fraud,” the BOC said in a statement.

The five luxury cars have been turned over to the agency’s auction and cargo disposal division.  – Evelyn Macairan