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76 containers of refined sugar worth P228 million from Thailand were confiscated by the Bureau Customs in the biggest seizure of smuggled sugar so far this year
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The shipment was seized on October 17 after the consignee failed to present an import clearance from the Sugar Regulatory Administration
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BOC had already seized a total of P25.46 million worth of smuggled sugar before the latest seizure
The Bureau of Customs scored its biggest haul of smuggled sugar so far this year, seizing 76 containers of refined sugar from Thailand worth P228 million on October 17.
The shipment, which arrived at the Manila International Container Port on September 24, was confiscated after the consignee failed to present an import clearance from the Sugar Regulatory Administration. Intelligence reports tagged the shipment as containing “misdeclared and undeclared” items, BOC said in a statement.
After securing an alert order against the shipment on October 4, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-MICP chief Alvin Enciso reported an attempt by the consignee to change its name on October 10.
Acting Customs Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz, who inspected the seized shipment on October 17, declined to name the consignee as an investigation is ongoing.
Two warrants, one for seizure and the other for detention of the contraband, were issued on the same day against the shipment for allegedly violating Sections 117 (Regulated Importation and Exportation) and 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture) of Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
The seized sugars will be disposed of in accordance with law, Ruiz noted.
The BOC chief said the agency is determined to stop any action that would jeopardize local farmers and affect market prices. Ruiz hopes the seizure will send a signal to smugglers to change and engage in lawful importations.
Before the latest seizure, BOC had already confiscated a total of P25.46 million worth of smuggled sugar from January 1 to October 14.
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