BOC goes after traders suspected of smuggling tires, jewelries

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Friday filed separate smuggling complaints totaling P18 million against consignees of used tires and assorted pieces of gold and diamond jewelry which were seized from the Manila International Container Port (MICP) and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).

Facing a complaint for violation of the Tariff and Customs Code are Rosemarie G. Clemente, owner of the P15-million worth of pieces of jewelry, and Jubannie B. Berces, General Manager of Respawnable Enterprises.

Based on the separate complaints, Clemente was apprehended by authorities last Sept. 15, 2015 at the Naia Terminal 3 carrying 259 pieces of gold and diamond jewelry.

Authorities seized 55 rings, 116 pieces of earrings, 18 pieces of bracelets, 40 pieces of necklaces and 30 pieces of pendants.

Barces, on the other hand, is facing a complaint for the unlawful importation of two by forty footer (2×40′) container van shipment containing tires with an aggregate value of P3-million.

“Section 101 of the TCCP (Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines) prohibits all importation of ‘used tires.’ Any act of importation violating the said act is punishable as unlawful importation, or smuggling,” the BOC said. IDL