P240 million smuggled sugar seized in Batangas port

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized 80,000 bags or around 4,000 metric tons of smuggled refined sugar with an estimated value of P240 million at the Batangas port on Friday.

BOC Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz said the Customs Police Division-Enforcement and Security Service and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service conducted an operation after receiving information that VOI MV Sunward was carrying sugar without a notice of arrival from the bureau.

BOC personnel said the captain of the vessel confirmed that the ship arrived at around 5 p.m. on Thursday.

Batangas port district collector Rhea Gregorio issued the corresponding warrant of seizure and detention against the vessel and shipment.

The seized cargo, which was consigned to Stone Int’l. Co. Ltd., came from Thailand.

“We are appalled at the audacity of these groups to continue with their activities despite the BOC’s intensified efforts lately to apprehend them... Our team is just as relentless and tenacious to once and for all end such reprehensible acts,” Ruiz said.