The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Subic, through the BOC Intelligence Group (IG) headed by Deputy Commissioner Juvymax R. Uy and Enforcement Group (EG) headed by Deputy Commissioner Teddy Sandy S. Raval, on March 15 apprehended thirty (30) 20-footer containers of misdeclared sugar from Hong Kong with an estimated value of PhP 86 million.

Derogatory reports from the IG and EG led to the issuance of Pre-Lodgment Control Orders by District Collector Maritess T. Martin against the 30 5×20’ containers declared to contain slipper outsoles and styrene butadiene rubber but suspected to carry refined sugar.

BOC officers conducted a non-intrusive examination and 100% physical examination, which yielded 15,648 bags/sacks of Refined Sugar. The assigned examiner recommended the issuance of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention.

Port of Subic District Collector Maritess Martin, Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary James Layug, and representatives from the Sugar Regulatory Agency were present during the physical examination.

District Collector Martin already issued Warrants of Seizure and Detention (WSD) against the shipments in violation of SRA and BOC Joint Memorandum Order No. 04-2002 dated August 16, 2002, and Section 1400, in relation to Section 1113 (f) of the Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

“The Bureau of Customs’ continuous efforts in combating illicit goods at the border has been very effective with the help of our partner agencies. With this, I’d like to commend the Port of Subic and remind them to remain steadfast in protecting our borders,” says Commissioner Rubio.

On the other hand, District Collector Martin warns that the Port of Subic will not allow deceitful smugglers to bring in any illegal or illicit goods.#