BOC files raps vs smugglers of P20 million helicopters, chemicals

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has filed charges against two firms that reportedly smuggled two used helicopters valued at P14.5 million and 652 steel drums of sodium cyanide worth P6.4 million.

In a statement yesterday, the BOC said the cases were filed on Oct. 6 against the consignees, which the bureau did not identify, of the shipments, valued at a total of P20 million.

The two used helicopters and spare parts, misdeclared as surplus helicopter components, arrived from the United States at the Manila International Container Port last May.

The BOC said the consignee was charged with violating Section 1401 (e) and Section 1400 in connection with Section 1113 of Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

The shipment of sodium cyanide, declared to contain molybdate from the United Kingdom, arrived at the Port of Manila in August. The BOC said the chemical was 98 percent pure and originated from China.

The importer was charged with violating Section 1401 (e) in connection with Sections 1400 and 117 of the CMTA, Republic Act 6969 or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order No. 39, Series of 1997, which covers the chemical control order for cyanide and cyanide compounds.