THE Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service in the Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP), seized P366 million worth of smuggled, high-end luxury cars in a warehouse in Makati City which forms part of the earlier seizure made on February 14, 2025 in Pasay and Parañaque City.
BOC Commissioner Bievenido Rubio lauded CIIS Director Verne Enciso for the said recent operations resulting in the confiscation of P1.4 billion worth of smuggled luxury vehicles in Pasay City and Parañaque City on February 13, followed by the seizure of P366 million worth of luxury cars that include Ferrari, Porsche and McLaren, from a warehouse in Makati City on February 14.
“The ability of our CIIS officers to conduct these back-to-back operations demonstrates not only their commitment to their mandate but also a new strategy for tackling smuggling. Those involved should understand that our skills and capabilities extend beyond our borders. We will pursue them relentlessly, regardless of how or where they hide their contraband,” Rubio said.
The BOC identified the seller as ACH High-End Motor Service Center with address at No. 489 J.P. Rizal St., Makati City.
The BOC said that the CIIS-MICP team led by Chief Alvin Enciso, along with Philippine Coast Guard’s Task Force Aduana, visited the location to deliver a Letter of Authority (LOA) to the store owner. This is needed to prove the legitimacy of the importation of the vehicles and ensure that the correct taxes and duties are paid.
“I can confirm that our intelligence agents conducted an operation after receiving information regarding this showroom in Makati. We discovered several high-end luxury cars and are currently verifying the importation documents for these vehicles,” the CIIS director said.
MICP-CIIS Chief Alvin Enciso said the initial inventory revealed various high-end vehicles that include a Ferrari 488 Spider, Ferrari 812 Superfast, Porsche Targa, Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, BMW M4, Lexus LC500, Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga, Land Rover Defender, Audi RS Q8, McLaren 720S, Li Xiang Ford Explorer, Li Xi Abarth L720S, SUV LX5, SUV Competizione, MV Agusta Brutale 1000RR and motorcycles, as well two Toyota Alphard vans.
MICP CIIS Chief Enciso led the temporary padlocking and sealing of the showroom and storage facility and the orderly inventory by assigned Customs examiners in the presence of the CIIS, Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), barangay officials and storage representatives.
It was learned from CIIS Chief Alvin Enciso that the owner, lessee, lessor, occupants, representatives and other parties responsible for the warehouse and vehicles found have 15 days from the receipt of the LOA to submit the needed documents that would prove that all the duties and taxes have been paid correctly.
Failure to present valid documentation would mean that they will face charges for violation of Sections 1400 and 1401, in connection with Section 1113 of Republic Act 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
