Operation Bullet seizes counterfeit goods [1]
Saturday, July 31, 2010 - 16:01. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
THE Honourable Sione Teisina Fuko, Minister for Revenue advised today that operation "Bullet" had been operating since June 2010.
"The operation has been an outstanding success," the Minister said. "Since its commencement customs staff have seized $330,000 worth of goods, in addition to counterfeit cosmetics, DVDs, and sporting equipment. The operation is continuing with Tonga customs being supported by technical advisers from New Zealand and Australia."
The Minister said that Operation "Bullet" is an important element of an overall thrust to improve the compliance of the trading community with customs legislation and requirements. Importers who breach customs' law will have their consignments seized, and they also face the risk of prosecution, and possibly having their business licenses revoked as a consequence.
The Minister advised that importers should ensure that only documents that accurately portray the value and contents of their consignments are lodged with Customs. Any documents that are detected as being untrue or misrepresentative of the actual contents or value of a particular consignment, will automatically result in that importation being seized. The Minister also advised that seized goods would not be disposed of through auction, but destroyed. "This prevents recalcitrant traders from regaining possession of their goods," he said.
The Minister said "A level playing field is important for the trading community, to be able to operate without unfair competition from unscrupulous traders who flaunt customs laws. Customs will take strong action against illegal activity with my full support". - Ministry of Revenue, 30/07/10.