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BOC files 30 cases vs traders, customs brokers in Q1
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30 criminal and administrative charges were filed in the first quarter by BOC against importers, exporters and customs brokers for alleged violation of customs rules
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24 criminal cases filed at the Department of Justice target 73 individuals and six administrative cases at the Professional Regulation Commission involve customs brokers
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The cases pertain to unlawful importation or smuggling of products worth a total of P356.1 million
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has filed 30 criminal and administrative cases against importers, exporters and customs brokers for allegedly violating customs laws, rules, and regulations in the first quarter of 2022.
The cases involve alleged smuggling of a total of P356.1 million worth of contraband that included cigarettes, farm products and motor vehicles, the BOC said in a statement.
Of the total, 24 criminal cases were filed at the Department of Justice from January to March this year against 73 individuals comprising importers, exporters, and customs brokers. They were accused of violating Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and other pertinent laws.
Six administrative cases were also filed against the licensed customs brokers before the Professional Regulation Commission.
BOC Action Team Against Smugglers data showed the allegedly smuggled goods were cigarettes valued at P160.4 million, agricultural products (P131.4 million), motor vehicles (P49.4 million), general merchandise (P7.7 million), and other commodities (P7.2 million).
In 2021, BOC filed a total of 103 criminal cases against 309 importers and customs brokers for violation of customs laws and regulations.
