Porsche 911 GT3 RS seized by BOC misdeclared as auto parts

Another smuggling attempt was averted on September 1, 2022.

The Bureau of Customs, Port of Davao, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency XI (PDEA), Seaport Interdiction Unit, and the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) received a tip from the Philippine National Police (PNP) – Sasa Station that a luxury car was coming in that was declared as used automobile goods.

During the sting operation, the container was opened and while its contents initially showed used automobile parts, a white Porsche 911 GT3 RS was discovered hiding behind it.

The vehicle was shipped from Japan on August 12, 2022, and was consigned to JJCTD Import and Export Trading Corp. The estimated value of the seized luxury vehicle is at P15,308,486.14.

A warrant of Seizure and Detention has been issued against the shipment for violation of Section 1400 concerning Section 1113 of R.A. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

Since last year, the BOC has confiscated at least 8 sports and luxury vehicles in the Port of Manila.

Four sports cars were declared as ukay-ukay in May 2021. These were a Porsche Boxster, a Mercedes-Benz SLK, and two Toyota MR-S sports cars. The shipment also included a Bentley Continental GT, Mercedes-Benz W109, Toyota Land Cruiser LC76, and several Range Rovers.

In June of last year, a 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, a 2016 Nissan GT-R (with a NISMO kit), and a 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 were intercepted at the Port of Manila. Even more recently, the BOC caught a Lamborghini Huracan Performante that was declared a brand-new unit when it was actually a used vehicle.

With the Porsche now in the BOC's custody, will it be crushed or auctioned off? That we'll have to find out soon.