August 7, 2015
Sugaronline | http://goo.gl/EiZQK8
CLOSE to P50 million worth of imported sugar and firecrackers and pyrotechnics were apprehended by the Bureau of Customs-Intelligence Group (BOC-IG) at the Manila International Port (MICP) on Friday.
Deputy Commissioner Jessie Dellosa led the inspection of the 15 40-foot container vans of imported sugar with an estimated value of P22.5 million and eight 40-foot container vans of firecrackers and other pyrotechnics worth some P24 million.
The sugar shipment is consigned to Blue Chelsea Enterprises containing approximately 9,000 sacks of refined Thai sugar arrived at the MICP from China last June 18.
Dellosa said the shipment was also misdeclared as kitchenwares and housewares like plastic cups, plastic bottles, kettles, gloves, chopping boards, plastic tables, and mops, among others.
“We are investigating into this matter very seriously, why there has been a spike of sugar smuggling in the recent months. Kami man nagtataka bakit malakas ang loob ng ilang mga importers at brokers na mag-smuggle ng sugar in MICP. Rest assured that we will not let up on our drive to go after these smugglers,” he said.
On the other hand, the shipment of firecrackers and pyrotechnics is consigned to Stellent Corporation and came from China.
The contraband goods marked as “made in Bulacan” were seized due to violation of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines, which prohibits the entry of firecrackers and other pyrotechnics without import permits from the Firearms and Explosives Division of the Philippine National Police. (FP/Sunnex)