P366-M smuggled luxury cars seized
Those responsible for the warehouse and the vehicles have 15 days from receiving the Letters of Authority to submit documents proving proper payment of duties and taxes
Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port Manila Field Station chief Alvin Enciso inspects the seized luxury vehicles suspected to be smuggled into the country without payment of duties and taxes on imported goods in Makati City on Monday. At least 18 luxury vehicles were seized, including a Ferrari 812 Superfast, a Ferrari 488, a McLaren 720S, a Mercedes Benz G63 AMG and a Bentley Bentayga.
Photograph by TOTO LOZANO for the daily tribune
Photograph by TOTO LOZANO for the daily tribune
A week after discovering P1.4 billion worth of luxury cars, the Bureau of Customs (BoC) uncovered another batch of high-end vehicles worth P366 million, including Ferraris, Porsches and McLarens at a warehouse in Makati City.
The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service at the Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) identified the seller as ACH High-End Motor Service Center, located at Makati City.
CIIS director Verne Enciso confirmed that the CIIS-MICP team, accompanied by the Philippine Coast Guard’s Task Force Aduana, served a Letter of Authority at the location to verify the vehicles’ legal importation and ensure proper payment of duties and taxes.
“I can confirm that our intelligence agents conducted an operation after receiving information regarding this showroom in Makati,” Enciso said.
“We discovered several high-end luxury cars and are currently verifying the importation documents for these vehicles,” he added.
The initial inventory included a variety of luxury vehicles, such as a Ferrari 488 Spider, Ferrari 812 Superfast, Porsche Targa, Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, BMW M4, Lexus LC500, Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga, Land Rover Defender, Audi RS Q8, McLaren 720S, Ford Explorer, Li Xiang L7 SUV, Abarth 595 Competizione, an MV Agusta Brutale 1000RR motorcycle and two Toyota Alphard luxury vans.
Reports said that the team temporarily padlocked and sealed the showroom and storage facility. Customs examiners will conduct a full inventory in the presence of CIIS, Enforcement and Security Service, barangay officials and storage representatives.
Meantime, Intelligence Group deputy commissioner Juvymax Uy stressed the need for increased vigilance, as smugglers become more brazen in their attempts to circumvent customs and importation laws, avoiding proper duties and taxes to the detriment of the economy.
Those responsible for the warehouse and the vehicles have 15 days from receiving the Letters of Authority to submit documents proving proper payment of duties and taxes.
Failure to provide valid documentation will result in charges under Sections 1400 and 1401, related to Section 1113 of Republic Act 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.