The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Monday seized 76 containers of refined sugar worth P228 million from Thailand after the consignee failed to present an import clearance from the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).

Customs Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz led BOC agents in inspecting the containers after the Customs Intelligence, and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) requested the issuance of an Alert Order on October 4.

Based on intelligence reports, the shipment, which arrived at the MICP on September 24, contained “misdeclared and undeclared” items.

As a result, the BOC issued two Warrants of Seizure and Detention against the shipment for violating Sections 117 and 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

Ruiz said the BOC was determined to stop any action that would jeopardize market prices, local production, and the impact of these on Filipino workers and consumers.

“I’m proud of what our team has done in this case. They didn’t let this attempt to change consignees go through and were fast on their feet in making sure we stop another shipment from entering our local markets,” Ruiz said.

CIIS Director and concurrent Intelligence Group (IG) OIC Deputy Commissioner Jeoffrey Tacio said there was initial information about the shipment’s status as containing “misdeclared” and undeclared goods.

CIIS-MICP Chief Alvin Enciso reported an attempt by the consignee to change its name on October 10 after a request for the issuance of an alert order was received at the District Collector’s Office on October 4.

Ruiz lauded the BOC’s latest operation, particularly the blocking of the attempt to circumvent the law and change the consignment.The operation is part of the marching orders of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to BOC to stop all forms of smuggling and other customs fraud in the country.