In line with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) commitment to secure the country’s borders, the Manila International Container Port (MICP), in coordination with the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) and Formal Entry Division (FED) personnel, seized fifteen (15) containers of refined sugar.

Initial information revealed that subject alerted shipment is consigned to Smile Agri Ventures Inc., and is said to contain Silica Sand. However, upon conduct of physical inspection in the Designated Examination Area, the shipment was instead found to actually contain refined sugar.

Pursuant to Sugar Regulatory Administration – Bureau of Customs (SRA-BOC) Joint Memorandum No. 4-2002, the importation of sugar shall be subject to SRA clearance prior its release from the customs custody.

Moreover, Section 117 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), with subject “Regulated Importation and Exportation” lays down that goods which are subject to regulation shall be imported or exported only after securing the necessary goods declaration or export declaration, clearances, licenses and any other requirements.

Finally, Sub-section (f) of Section 1113 of CMTA specifically states that goods, the importation of which are effected or attempted contrary to law shall be subject of seizure.

Further investigations are underway for the institution of appropriate administrative proceedings against the subject shipment and persons involved, including possible filing of criminal cases for violation of the CMTA.

Under the leadership of BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, MICP is dedicated in securing the nation’s borders against agricultural smuggling and protect the general consumer’s welfare.#