BOC seizes P16-M sugar shipment

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) recently confiscated P16 million worth of sugar in 20 shipping containers at the Port of Manila (POM).

BOC Commissioner Angelito Alvarez said they seized the shipment, which arrived in July from Thailand, after the commission conducted an inventory of all “overstaying” cargo at the Manila port and other ports in the country.

He said the consignee, Unitrade Industrial Manufacturing Corp., failed to pay P2.7 million in duties and taxes and has apparently abandoned the shipment.

He said they will not yet auction off the shipment until the sugar has been examined and declared fit for human consumption.

“Sugar importation is not prohibited. It just needs to be regulated. There should be a permit from the National Food Authority and the Sugar Regulatory Administration,” Alvarez said.