The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has secured the conviction of four individuals in two separate smuggling cases before the Regional Trial Court of Manila.
In a statement, the BOC said the conviction reaffirms its commitment to protecting government revenues, securing the country’s borders, supporting legitimate businesses, and holding those involved in illicit trade accountable.
In the first case, the court convicted an individual who used YJC International Corporation as a consignee-for-hire in the unlawful importation of two 40-foot containers from China falsely declared to contain plastic products that arrived on January 3, 2021. Upon physical examination, Customs authorities discovered 1,599 cartons of cigarettes concealed among the declared goods without the required import commodity clearances. The accused was sentenced to an indeterminate penalty of 12 years and one day to 15 years and one day of imprisonment for each count.
In a separate case, the President, Vice President, and Corporate Secretary of ADNFinest Marketing Corporation were convicted for their participation in the unlawful importation of motor vehicles from Dubai, United Arab Emirates that arrived on May 27, 2021. Although the shipment was declared to contain only two vehicles, Customs examination uncovered an undeclared 2020 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and 98 unmanifested used tires. The prosecution likewise established that the company had no Certificate of Authority to Import motor vehicles. The three corporate officers were each sentenced to an indeterminate penalty of six years and one day to ten years and one day of imprisonment.
“Malinaw ang mensahe ng mga kasong ito: may kapalit ang paglabag sa batas. Hindi lamang namin hinaharang ang mga iligal na kargamento sa ating mga pantalan. Tinitiyak din naming mapapanagot ang mga nasa likod ng mga paglabag upang maprotektahan ang lehitimong negosyo at mapanatili ang patas na kalakalan sa bansa,” said Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno.
The Bureau filed criminal charges for both cases in 2021, the same year the unlawful importations transpired, reflecting its prompt and decisive response against customs violations.
Commissioner Nepomuceno also recognized the dedication of the BOC’s Legal Service for its steadfast efforts in pursuing the cases and commended the Department of Justice (DOJ) for its continued partnership and support in securing the convictions.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa ating Legal Service para sa kanilang walang sawang pagsisikap sa pagsusulong ng mga kasong ito, gayundin sa Department of Justice sa kanilang patuloy na suporta at pakikipagtulungan. Ang ganitong koordinasyon ang nagpapatibay sa ating kampanya laban sa smuggling at iba pang paglabag sa batas,” he added.
Aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify the government’s fight against smuggling and protect the country’s economic interests, the BOC remains steadfast in strengthening border enforcement and pursuing sustained legal action against violators. Through a whole-of-government approach, the Bureau continues to uphold accountability and safeguard legitimate trade and businesses.
