Importer, broker face P300-M smuggling raps

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs filed charges yesterday against officials of a Manila-based trading company and a customs broker for reportedly trying to smuggle P300 million worth of counterfeit good into the country in September 2011.

IMAX Harbor International Trading Corp. president and board chairman Doroteo Montalbo, along with directors Rochelle Posadas, Jose Dizon, Rafael Lactao, Elaine Wee and IMAX’s licensed customs broker Roger Permejo were charged before the Department of Justice for their alleged attempt to illegally slip two forty-footer container vans filled with P300 million worth of counterfeit bags, medicines, mobile phones, mobile phone batteries, chargers, wristwatches, into the country.

BOC Commissioner Ruffy Biazon said the respondents violated Section 166 of Republic Act 8293 (Intellectual Property Code); Section 4 of Republic Act 8203 (Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs) and Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code.

“Every illegally imported counterfeit bag that is able to enter the local market could be one locally manufactured bag left unsold. And every unsold locally manufactured bag could be a loss of labor man hours,” he added.

The IMAX shipment was declared as plastic products, bags and others in its entry, according to the BOC.