Mindanaotoday.com | BOC seizes P34M worth of smuggled sugar from Hong Kong
By: Stephanie Sevillano
MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday reported the discovery of PHP34.5 million worth of smuggled sugar at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
In a statement, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said the smuggled refined sugar came from Hong Kong, inside 10 containers, which was misdeclared as 100,000 kilograms of silica sand per container upon its arrival last May 27.
He said the smuggled sugar was found after being subjected to spot-check examinations by Customs authorities and other partner agencies on July 11 following the issuance of Pre-Lodgement Orders (PLOs).
“The PLOs were requested based on information that the shipment contains agricultural products, misdeclared and undeclared goods,” Rubio said.
According to BOC, the misdeclared shipment was consigned to a certain Smile Agri Ventures Inc.
Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy said that Smile Agri Ventures Inc. may face multiple charges for violation of the Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
The smuggled sugar is subject to the issuance of warrants of seizure and detention.
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