The number of criminal and administrative complaints filed by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) against unscrupulous traders and individuals has reached fifty-seven (57) based on the mid-2022 report of the Bureau’s Action Team Against Smugglers (BATAS) under the Revenue Collection Monitoring Group (RCMG) – Legal Service.

The anti-smuggling efforts of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and other government agencies resulted in the filing of a total of 46 criminal cases from January to June 2022 against 145 individuals composed of importers, exporters, and customs brokers for violations of the Republic Act No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and other pertinent laws.

Similarly, 11 administrative cases were filed against licensed customs brokers before the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Data from BATAS show that the cases involved the unlawful importation and exportation of cigarettes valued at Php 250.6 million, agricultural products valued at Php 163.3 million, electronic devices valued at Php 137.9 million, general merchandise amounting to Php 77.3 million, motor vehicles valued at Php 49.4 million, used clothing valued at 23.1 million and other commodities valued at 18.4 million.

The BOC remains committed in continuing the fight against smuggling by filing the appropriate cases against unscrupulous individuals.