Customs officials at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) seized 247 smuggled smartphones valued at approximately P1.68 million on Saturday, January 31.
The shipment, which arrived from China, was originally declared as “personal effects” across 12 separate packages. However, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) flagged the items after X-ray scanning revealed images inconsistent with the declaration, indicating a commercial quantity of electronics.
A subsequent physical examination confirmed the presence of the branded mobile devices. Personnel from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), and the X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) oversaw the inspection.
District Collector Alexandra Yap-Lumontad issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the shipment, citing violations of Republic Act No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
Gerardo Campo, Port Collector for the Subport of Mactan, credited the seizure to stricter inspection protocols and improved internal coordination.
“This case highlights how the application of new inspection protocols… has allowed us to detect irregularities at any point in the process,” Campo said in a statement. “When declarations do not match with the documents presented for inspection, appropriate enforcement action follows.”
The confiscated electronics remain in BOC custody as authorities continue to monitor shipments for misdeclaration and smuggling attempts.