BOC seizes P16-M toxic chemicals, beer

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized yesterday P16.3 million worth of misdeclared items, including beer, motorcycles and toxic chemicals, allegedly smuggled into the Manila International Container Port (MICP) from Hong Kong.

In a statement, BOC Commissioner Rufino Biazon said among the seized items are 160 containers of toluene diisocyanate, an extremely toxic chemical reportedly used in the manufacture of foam and firecrackers.

The chemical, misdeclared as food ingredients, was consigned to Mythian Trading.

“These are the type of shipments we are closely monitoring, as we will never allow the safety of the Filipinos to be compromised,” Biazon said.

The BOC also reported seizing 1,330 boxes of assorted beer and liquor from the United States. The shipment, misdeclared as beverages to avoid the payment of excise taxes, was consigned to Algebra Trading.

The agency also seized electric motorcycles from China, misdeclared as e-bicycle parts and accessories. The shipment was consigned to Reigning King International.

Two used trucks, a farm tractor, generator and used appliances from Japan were misdeclared by its consignee Seamrise Enterprises as used truck parts and used machinery. 

The BOC also said it confiscated “big bikes” from England that were misdeclared by its consignee, Masterlink Cargo System Inc., as personal effects.