Customs prepares warrant for confiscated used tires

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Cebu will soon issue a warrant of seizure and detention for the custody of the used tires which were seized from a warehouse in barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City last week.

Lawyer Kenneth Sesante, chief of staff for BOC Port of Cebu, said that JV Tire Supply and Magwheels failed to present documents that they purchased the used tires.

“They presented documents but as far as the used tires are concerned, it failed to convince us that the purchase was above board,” Sesante told Cebu Daily News.

Sesante said that the warrant of seizure and detention will be issued after the inventory of the seized tires. The owner, identified as Jaime Vicente Amparado, was given until last Monday to present the supporting documents.

To recall, 15 container vans went missing at Cebu International Port (CIP) from June to July this year.

Two consignees were identified by the BOC Port of Cebu: the GLE Enterprise and the Fab Commodities.

Items declared for seven container vans are construction materials, four container vans for tires and four container vans of general merchandise.

The construction materials came from China while the used tires came from Japan and Korea with an estimated value of P8 million.

Four container vans of used tires were believed to be delivered to JV Tire Supply and Magwheels.

The visit at the warehouse was conducted after BOC Commissioner Alberto Lina issued a letter of authority (LOA) last October 23 to BOC Port of Cebu allowing Customs men on visitorial powers to ask for proof of payment for the tires.

BOC Port of Cebu district collector retired general Arnulfo Marcos said appropriate charges will be filed against the smugglers.

Two months ago, wharf finger Flordicante Platil was relieved from his post and an investigation was recommended in relation to the disappearance of the vans.