Japanese faces Rolex watch smuggling rap in Manila

Asian Economic News, Oct 11, 1999

MANILA, Oct. 7 Kyodo A Japanese national faces smuggling charges after being caught trying to bring into the Philippines 17 Rolex watches worth at least 10 million pesos (about 250,000 U.S. dollars), customs officials said Thursday.

Customs officials said Masahiro Kasahara was found to be carrying 17 Rolex wrist watches in his luggage shortly after his arrival from Hong Kong on Tuesday night.

Charges of misdeclaration of goods are being prepared against Kasahara, who is in the custody of his lawyer, the officials said.

If found guilty, he could be jailed for eight to 12 years, airport officials said.

Officials did not immediately provide further identification of the suspect.