The Bureau of Customs seized seven shipments of carrots, apples and used clothes, shoes, and toys worth P3.77 million abandoned by its importers and importers at the Manila International Container Port.
The shipments were ordered confiscated after District Collector Balmyrson Valdez issued a Decree of Abandonment on the seven container vans after the consignees failed to file the entry within the prescribed period.
“The six container vans of carrots arrived at the MICP on August 24, 2018 with no filed goods declaration for more than 15 days from the date of discharge of the last package,” customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said.
The abandoned shipments were consigned to ASD Total Package Enterprises Inc. and declared as fresh apples. However, upon examination, the BOC found boxes of carrots covered by boxes of fresh apples with a total dutiable value of more than P1.97 million.
Meanwhile, the shipment containing used clothes, shoes and toys which arrived at the port on Sept. 4, 2018 was consigned to Freccia Prime Marketing Co.
“The shipment of used clothing and shoes was placed on red alert due to discrepancies after examination of the goods,” the BOC official said.
“The consignee declared the shipment as to contain hangers and plastic racks. It was deemed abandoned since the consignee and their broker showed no interest in processing their alerted shipment,” Lapeña said.
Upon physical examination, the big box was found to contain 500 boxes of used clothes, shoes, and toys with a dutiable value of P1.8 million.
The consignees will face criminal charges and revocation of Customs accreditation for the foiled attempt to defraud the government.
“Once again, I am appealing to all traders, to declare the true items and the true value of your importations, otherwise I will revoke your accreditation with the Bureau of Customs and file appropriate charges against you,” Lapeña warned.
The carrots and apples will be disposed of through condemnation, while the used clothes and shoes will be donated to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.