BOC Seizes P40-M Worth of Misdeclared Firecrackers from China at MICP

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized an estimated P40 million worth of misdeclared firecrackers from China at the Manila International Container Port (MICP), Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno announced on Tuesday. In a statement, the BOC said the shipments consisted of two containers valued at approximately P20 million each that were flagged by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) following derogatory information indicating they contained fireworks and firecrackers. One shipment was declared as “shelves” and was later voluntarily abandoned by the consignee, while the other was declared as “ceramic cups.” Physical examination of both shipments, however, uncovered fireworks and firecrackers concealed inside the containers. Nepomuceno said the seizure demonstrates the effectiveness of the bureau’s screening process in intercepting contraband. “Kung makikita natin, epektibo ang screening process natin. Iba’t ibang klaseng kontrabando ang nahaharang natin, kaya sana itigil na ng mga smugglers ang illegal na importasyon. Mauubos lang ang puhunan niyo,” he said. (As you can see, our screening process is effective. We continue to intercept different kinds of contraband, so smugglers should stop engaging in illegal importation. You’ll only end up losing your investment.) The BOC said the importation of finished firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices is prohibited under Republic Act No. 7183 and its implementing rules and regulations. —Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA News