In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call to crack down on agricultural smuggling, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intercepted a shipment of 1,000 sacks of refined sugar worth PHP 5 million at the Port of Manila. The shipment was found to lack the necessary import permits and clearances, reported Journal news Online.
Following a Pre-Lodgement Control Order issued by Port of Manila District Collector Alexander Gerard E. Alviar on May 21, a full inspection of two 20-foot containers was carried out on May 23. The operation was conducted in coordination with the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), Department of Agriculture, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and other enforcement agencies.
During the inspection, officials discovered 500 sacks of sugar in each container. The shipment, which originated from Thailand, did not have import clearance or allocation from the SRA. While the consignee is registered with the agency, it had not been granted approval to import the sugar.
Due to the absence of proper documents and authorization, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service at the Port of Manila has requested a Warrant of Seizure and Detention for the shipment. The case involves possible violations of regulations on controlled imports, specifically Section 117 and Section 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, as well as Sugar Order No. 6 of 2022-2023.
Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to stopping illegal imports, saying the BOC will continue to enforce trade regulations strictly. “President Marcos Jr. has made it clear that agricultural smuggling will not be tolerated. This seizure reflects our duty to protect Filipino farmers and maintain the security of our borders,” he said.
