LAST week, I provided an overview of the modus operandi by which 'unsuspecting first-time importers, who are not familiar with customs procedures and processes are victimized by some corrupt officials of the Bureau of Customs in connivance with the courier company which brought in the imported goods.'

I wrote about how 'the imported goods are held in the customs-bonded warehouse of the courier. The courier, which had already been paid the shipping fee in advance, will then inform the first-time importer that the shipment had been considered 'abandoned' due to the delay in claiming the same.' DHL Philippines is one of these notorious couriers.