The Bureau of Customs filed smuggling charges before the Department of Justice against two traders for attempting to smuggle diamonds, assorted jewelry and used tires worth P18 million.
Charged were Jubannie B. Berces, general manager, of Respawnable Enterprises who tried to smuggle used tires at the Manila International Container Port and Rosemarie G. Clemente, for bringing undeclared jewelry at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina said that Berces’ company declared the shipment as goods. They turned out to be used tires worth P3 million.
Importation of used tires has been banned since 1980, under Section 101 of the Customs Law.
Clemente brought in 259 pieces of assorted jewelry worth P15 million. These include 55 pieces of rings, 116 pieces of earrings, 18 pieces of bracelets, 40 pieces of necklace and 30 pieces of pendants.
Clemente arrived in the Philippines from Hong Kong in September last year but did not declare the jewelry.
“Travelers who bring in commercial goods and importers doing unlawful act of importation will not be tolerated by the Bureau of Customs. They harm legitimate traders which can bring further negative effect on our economy if neglected,” Lina said.
