AIRPORT customs authorities intercepted a Korean for carrying 3.8 million Hong Kong dollars equivalent to P25.7 million upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on November 30.
A report from the Bureau of Customs-NAIA identified the foreign passenger as Kim Junheon, who arrived onboard Philippine Airlines Flight PR307 last Friday night. He came from Korea.
The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services apprehended the passenger when he was about to exit the customs examination area following the discovery of the money, it said.
CIIS agent Tomas Maranan has taken Junheon under BoC custody after x-ray and physical examination found the Korean was carrying huge cash in foreign currency in his luggage.
Based on Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) rules, foreign travelers are only allowed to carry up to $10,000 or P50,000 into or out of the country. They are required to get written authorization from BSP for amounts above P50,000.
Failure to declare the foreign currency is in violation of provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act in relation to BSP Circular No. 507 that prohibits passengers from carrying foreign currency in excess of $10,000 without a permit.
It took Customs authorities a day to count and record the serial numbers of the 3.8 million Hong Kong dollars in bills seized from the Korean.
Operatives from the Enforcement and Security Services-NAIA have already booked the necessary criminal complaint against the passenger for inquest proceedings.
BOC-NAIA is keeping a watchful eye on the entry of taxable imported items and high-risk travelers as they are expected to pick up as the holiday season draws near.
In a span of six months, it recorded 27 drug busts and stopped several smuggling attempts of wildlife species, concealed and misdeclared goods. (Raymund F. Antonio)
