Jun 7, 2025
https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/07/over-p307-m-worth-of-hoarded-sugar-seized-in-bulacan-raids
Police seized more than P307 million worth of imported sugar following a raid on three separate warehouses in Bulacan on Friday, June 6.
Police Col. Ranie P. Hachuela, officer-in-charge of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), said the operations were part of the government’s aggressive drive against smuggling and other illegal activities involving agricultural products.
In the case of the 95,568 sacks of rice discovered inside the three warehouses in Meycauayan City, Hachuela said illegal storing of agricultural products is prohibited by law as it affects the price of the product in the market.
“Illegal storing of agricultural products, including sugar regardless of quantity, is considered economic sabotage, thus, against the law,” said Hachuela.
The operations were carried out by the CIDG Bulacan Provincial Field Unit and other police units through a search warrant obtained through the assistance of the Department of Agriculture Inspectorate Enforcement (DA IE) and Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).
During the operations in an industrial park in Barangay Perez, CIDG operatives found the sacks of sugar which is valued at P307,675,950.00.
Hachula said a case of violation of the Republic Act 10845 (Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016) is being prepared against the owners of those involved.
“The operations underscore our unyielding stance against smuggling of agricultural products and economic sabotage. With the confiscation of this allegedly illegally stored very large amount of sugar, we significantly prevented hoarding and economic sabotage,” said Hachuela.