The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said May 29 that it has intercepted two separate shipments of refined sugar, all worth P9 million, at the Port of Manila, in violations of customs and importation rules.
The first operation was carried out May 23, following a Pre-Lodgment Control Order issued by POM district collector Alexander Gerard Alviar. A joint team from the BOC, SRA, DA, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and other enforcement units examined two 20-foot container vans from Thailand, containing 1,000 sacks of refined sugar.
Two abandoned 20-foot containers at Warehouse 3, Port of Manila, also yielded 1,040 bags labeled as “sweet mixed powder”.
Both shipments of sugar are valued at approximately P9 million, the BOC said.
Customs commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Sugar Regulatory Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona, assistant commissioner of the Post Clearance Audit Group – Atty. Vincent Philip Maronilla, deputy commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy, and Alviar jointly led the inspection of the intercepted shipments May 29.
They also examined a 40-foot container misdeclared as fabric, but was found to contain 1,046 boxes, or 52,300 reams of illicit cigarettes, with an estimated value of P81 million.
The BOC said it continues to strengthen border security and enhance enforcement efforts in support of the administration’s thrust to uphold food security, public health, and the rule of law.
“President Marcos Jr. has made it clear that the smuggling of agricultural commodities and other regulated goods will not be tolerated. These operations are a direct response to his marching orders to safeguard our borders and protect the welfare of the Filipino people,” Rubio said in a statement.
The BOC remains steadfast in its commitment to promote lawful trade, prevent smuggling, and contribute to national economic stability through vigilant and coordinated port operations, he added. ||
