BOC-Clark examiners make inventory of seized bank cards. Contributed photo
CLARK FREEPORT – The Bureau of Customs-Port of Clark on Thursday said it has intercepted some 2,500 pieces of assorted international bank cards, accessories and magnetic storage suspected to be for use in online gambling.
BOC-Clark district collector Atty. Ruby Alameda said her agency’s examiners also seized film tapes consigned to GMA 7 Worldwide Inc. that were left abandoned as no one claimed them.
She said the contraband, concealed in parcels declared as electronic items, originated mostly from Macau, Hongkong, China and other Southeast Asian countries shipped to different consignees with Metro Manila addresses.
“These materials and accessories of online gambling are illegal and violative of the Customs Law and regulations. Consignees also violated the Anti-Money Laundering Act,” Alameda stressed. “That is why we are very vigilant against these items and it has always been my stand that our men and women here at the Port of Clark must apprehend these.”
Subjected to warrants of seizure and detention, contraband was confiscated at different times and accumulated in a BOC–bonded warehouse subject for turn-over to an appropriate government agency for condemnation and destruction.
The seized items were formally turned over to the Optical Media Board.
OMB internal auditor Ed Lara said the electronic magnetic storage and OTP devices and similar accessories will be destroyed in a facility for the disposal of hazardous wastes in Trece Martires, Cavite.
Some of the electronic gadgets, however, will be turned-over to Department of Education for use of students in their online classes, he added.
OMB chairman Christian Natividad reminded the public that importation of any form of storage devices requires a license and permit from the OMB to avoid the shipment being confiscated or taken into preventive custody.
