The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has completed inspection of alleged smuggled shipments of sugar, firecrackers, and fake branded apparel earlier seized at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
The inspection came after Intelligence Group (IG) operatives seized 15 forty-foot equivalent units (FEUs) of suspected smuggled sugar with an estimated value of around P22.5 million consigned to Blue Chelsea Enterprises. The shipments containing about 9,000 sacks of refined Thai sugar arrived at the MICP from China last June 18, according to IG deputy commissioner Jessie Dellosa.
IG operatives last July 24 also inspected 24 containers of smuggled sugar misdeclared as housewares and kitchenwares, most of which were likewise consigned to Blue Chelsea.
“Just like the initial shipment of smuggled sugar, the shipments were also misdeclared as kitchenwares and housewares like plastic cups, plastic bottles, kettles, gloves, chopping boards, plastic tables, and mops, among others,” Dellosa said.
“We are investigating this matter very seriously (on) why there has been a spike of sugar smuggling in the recent months,” the IG chief said.
On the other hand, the seized shipments of firecrackers and pyrotechnics with an estimated value of P24 million arrived from China in eight FEUs and were consigned to Stellent Corporation. The contraband marked as “Made in Bulacan” was seized for violating the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP) which prohibits the entry of firecrackers and other pyrotechnics without import permits from the Firearms and Explosives Division of the Philippine National Police.
In addition, the shipments violated Sections 101 and 2503 in relation to Section 2530 of the TCCP as they were misdeclared as tissue paper and ballpens.
Stellent Corp is already facing two smuggling-related charges filed by the BOC last January and March for alleged illegal importation of steel products. The company’s accreditation has been cancelled by BOC.
“I already ordered the issuance of warrants of seizure and detention for the shipments in favor of the government. In the case of the seized firecrackers and pyrotechnics, they will be destroyed after forfeiture proceedings. Sugar seized could be up for sale in public auctions conducted by the BOC after it has undergone testing by the Sugar Regulatory Administration to see if fit for human consumption,” Dellosa said.
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