The police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized four 40-foot container vans on Thursday from the Port Area in Manila, which were found to contain misdeclared items allegedly meant to evade proper taxes.

According to PNP CIDG chief General Nicolas Torre III, they conducted operations and implemented search warrants in various locations where the container vans were found, with goods mostly originating from China.

"Ang info ay galing sa Office of the Special Envoy on Transnational Crime na nagsasabing may mga misdeclaration na ginagawa at nangyayari sa ating pier na hindi dinedeklara ng ating mga importer ang tunay na laman ng mga van na ito para makaiwas sa pagbabayad ng buwis," Torre said.

It started as anonymous tip submitted to the Office of the Special Envoy on Transnational Crime or OSETC.

"Based dun sa manifesto na sinubmit sa Bureau of Customs, lahat ng container van ay declared as a single item declaration. Meron pong iba't ibang klase ng smuggling, it could be discrepancy of the quality or quantity or mismong iba ang goods na dala ng containers," said Atty. Martin Ontog, chief of Legal and International Affairs of OSETC.

One container van was declared to contain rubber bags, but upon inspection, it was found to hold tissue, tongs, and spoons.

Another container was declared to have branded footwear, yet the items inside were unbranded.

A third container van was declared to carry electric stoves and accessories, but its actual contents included golf bats, food items, radiators, and radiator coolant.

"Ang normal na proseso kasi para makalabas ang containers sa Bureau of Customs dapat inaassess muna eh after the assessment you pay the correct taxes. Ang nangyari dito, most likely nagkaroon ng single item declaration to avert the correct payments of taxes and duties. Lugi na ang gobyerno at lugi rin siympre ang mga malilit na negosyante," Ontog said.

"Unfortunately, itong goods na to nakalabas ng customs territory without the neccessary inspection and intervention," Ontog added.

The CIDG is still investigating before filing the appropriate charges, including violations of customs laws, against the consignees and importers.