BOC seizes PHP900M worth of luxury cars in Taguig

On Wednesday, February 19, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized 44 units of allegedly smuggled luxury cars worth around PHP900 million in a warehouse in Taguig City.

This seizure is part of a series of raids conducted by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) targeting auto shops in Metro Manila that sell high-end vehicles, with the latest operation bringing the total value of confiscated smuggled autos to billions of pesos.

BOC CIIS-MICP officials are investigating an auto vault in Barangay Ususan, Taguig City, where luxury brands such as Ferraris, Porsches, Maseratis, and Rolls Royces were discovered on Wednesday.

CIIS Director Verne Enciso noted that businesses have exploited the market for luxury vehicles to profit from illegal operations, urging responsible parties to submit documents proving proper payment of duties and taxes within 15 days or face legal charges under Republic Act 10863.

The seized cars include a McLaren 720S, a Rolls Royce Cullinan, and other high-end models like Maserati Levante and Ferrari 488, among others.

Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy called on bureau agents to remain vigilant as smugglers continue to find ways to circumvent Philippine laws, with the BOC now looking into reports that some smuggled vehicles were hidden inside condominiums and subdivisions.