Customs bureau files smuggling raps vs illegal importers of DVDs, laptops

MANILA, Philippines—The Bureau of Customs on Thursday filed before the Department of Justice (DoJ) smuggling complaint against two traders and brokers in connection with an attempt to smuggle into the country P18-million worth of illegally imported Digital Video Discs (DVD), laptops and cell-phone accessories and unidentified chemicals.

Facing complaint for violation of the Tariffs and Customs Code and Republic Act 9239 or the Optical Media Act of 2003 are Zachris General Merchandise Attorney-in-fact Daribeth Sevillano of Mabolo, Cebu City, together with her company’s licensed Customs broker Joseph Spencer R. Lopez.

Based on the complaint, they failed to produce the required Optical Media Board permit for their 20-footer container van importation of 1,200 cartons of DVD-Rs worth eight (8) million pesos.

Also facing similar complaint is Richflow Trading owner Crisanto Caldozo Jr., and his licensed Customs broker Janet Jackelou R. Coriga for their part after customs officials discovered that their 40-footer container van shipment of 88,750 pieces of DVDs, music DVDs, 103,800 pieces of assorted cell phone and laptop accessories, unidentified chemicals and other goods worth P10 million were misdeclared as housewares.

Records showed that the smuggling attempts which were made in the Ports of Cebu and the Manila International Container Port in March this year.

Zachris’ shipment arrived at the Port of Cebuon March 3, 2012, while Richflow’s shipment arrived at the MICP on March 31, 2012.