P54 million smuggled rice seized off Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — At least P54 million worth of smuggled rice have been seized by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Sulu, officials said yesterday.

The 50,000 sacks of rice were loaded in M/V Hulk when it was apprehended in the waters off Tungkil town on Thursday morning, according to Lt. Cmdr. Noriel Ramos, Zamboanga PCG station chief.

The PCG men, on board BRP Cape San Agustin, were patrolling in the waters off Bulan Island when they spotted the Hulk.

Authorities searched the cargo vessel and found the sacks of rice, each weighing 25 kilos.

Ramos said the crewmembers failed to show an import permit or any document pertaining to the shipment.

The ship’s captain and other officers were not around during the search. 

The PCG decided to steer the ship ashore, but it developed engine trouble as it was approaching Basilan.

They towed the ship toward this city with the help of tugboats.

Officers from the Bureau of Customs and the PCG conducted an inventory of the sacks of rice.