By Ferdinand Patinio

SMUGGLED. The 12 smuggled vehicles hidden inside shipments declared as car accessories intercepted at the Manila International Container Port on June 5. The seized units arrived in the country last month. (Photo courtesy of BOC)

MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intercepted two shipments containing 12 smuggled motor vehicles worth PHP10.8 million at the Manila International Container Port, the agency reported Sunday.

BOC-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services Director Verne Enciso said the shipments, declared as “car accessories and supplies,” were flagged following derogatory intelligence.

X-ray scans revealed hidden motor vehicles, prompting a full physical inspection.

The seized vehicles, found on June 5, included one unit each of 1996 Acura Integra, 1999 Honda Civic, 2002 Honda S2000, 2004 Honda S2000, 2007 Mini Cooper S; three units of 1998 Honda Civic; and four units 2000 Honda Civic.

The shipments, consigned to Danesh Consumer Goods Trading, arrived from the United States last month.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said the act clearly violated Section 1400 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. He vowed to hold those involved accountable. (PNA)