Two Japanese nationals intercepted by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Wednesday, for reportedly smuggling an equivalent of ₱50 million face further raps.
Yuzuru Marumo and Masayuki Aoyagi, both Japanese citizens, were apprehended by the BOC at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 for carrying an undeclared large amount of foreign currency.
Bureau of Immigration Border Control and Intelligence Unit (BI BCIU) head Dennis Alcedo reported that, BOC sought their assistance in monitoring the arrival of Marumo and Aoyagi, after receiving a report that they are flying in the country from Narita via a Philippine Airlines flight.
Their arrival was coordinated to the BI by the BOC officers, who later confirmed that the two undeclared ¥100,645,000 or equivalent to ₱44.8 million.
Apart from the criminal and administrative charges stemming from the BOC arrest, Marumo and Aoyagi both face deportation cases from the BI.
According to BI Commissioner Jaime Morente, the two also face a deportation case for undesirability.
“It was recommended that a deportation case be initiated against them,” said Morente. “Our legal team will look into their case, and if they are found undesirable, they will be deported and blacklisted,” he added.
The deportation however, the BI clarified, may only be implemented upon the resolution of the duo’s cases here in the Philippines, and the completion of any penalties found appropriate by Philippine courts.
Intercepted Japanese caught smuggling P50 million may face deportation –BI
According to the law, those entering the Philippines must declare if they are carrying foreign currency worth more than $ 10,000 or half a million pesos.
According to Customs assistant commissioner Jet Maronilla, it is common for people from Hong Kong or China to be involved in such cases in the past and rarely from Japan.
Meanwhile, six men were brought to the precinct of the PNP Aviation Security Unit (AVSEU) National Capital Region (NCR) in NAIA. The men were supposed to pick up the Japanese.
According to the BOC report, the men identified themselves as members of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and boarded the Japanese in 2 black vehicles, but were also returned to the authorities.
After verification at the precinct, the five men were sent home, and the one who identified himself as a police officer was detained.
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