The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Subic in Zambales province has detained the M/V Bangpakaew on Aug. 18 following a tip that it contained sugar contraband.

The ship, which arrived from Thailand, was suspected to be carrying approximately 140,000 bags or 7,000MT of sugar classified as Reserved Sugar Bottlers’ Grade by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) per Sugar Order No. 3, series of 2021-2022.

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services (CIIS) already sent investigators to the Port of Subic to ascertain the facts about the said shipment. The BOC considers the filing of charges before the Action Team against Smugglers (BATAS) depending on the outcome of the investigation.

Meanwhile, the Sugar Regulatory Administration, recently commended the port for its successful apprehension of 11,384 bags of refined sugar valued at P28.46 million last December 2021.

The Port of Subic, assures the public that it would be relentless in its continuing efforts in line with the Bureau’s anti-smuggling campaign.