Porsche 911 misdeclared as auto parts seized in Davao City

Authorities have intercepted a luxury car that was about to be smuggled into Davao City, following a physical inspection of inbound shipments conducted on Sept. 1. Documents recovered at the Port of Davao showed that the vehicle was a white Porsche 911 GT3 RS, misdeclared as used automobile parts.  

The car was shipped from Japan to the Philippines on August 31 [Image: Bureau of Customs] 

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) of the Port of Davao conducted the operation jointly with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region XI, Seaport Interdiction Unit, and the Davao City Police (DCPO). These agencies acted on a tip from the Philippine National Police – Sasa Station. 

“As soon as we received the information, we immediately issued an alert order against the shipment,” said Port of Davao District Collector Atty. Erasmus Austria.  

Valued at more than Php 15.3 million, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS was found hidden among various auto components inside a container van. According to the shipment’s documentation, the cargo arrived in the Philippines from Japan on August 31, 2022 and was consigned to JJCTD Import and Export Trading Corp. 

Smugglers misdeclared the vehicle as used automobile parts [Image: Bureau of Customs]

After the vehicle was found, elements of the PDEA Region XI searched the vehicle for possible smuggling of drugs and other prohibited substances. The thorough physical examination yielded negative results. 

Following the discovery of the contraband, a Warrant of Seizure and Detention has been issued against the shipment for violation of Section 1400 or Misdeclaration, Misclassification, Undervaluation in Goods Declaration. This concerns Section 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and Forefeiture) of Republic Act 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

A used Lamborghini Huracan was intercepted by authorities earlier this year 

The BOC’s operations have resulted in confiscation of eight smuggled cars since last year. Various luxury vehicles declared as ukay-ukay (used clothes) were intercepted at the Port of Manila in May 2021, including a Mercedes-Benz SLK, Porsche Boxster, and two Toyota MR-S sports cars. 

A month later, a 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser and a 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 were among the vehicles recovered by authorities at the same port. In January this year, BOC personnel intercepted a used Lamborghini Huracan declared as brand-new and shipped from Malaysia.

No misdeclaration of mobility-related updates here at Philkotse.com.