MANILA - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday reported the discovery of PHP34.5 million worth of smuggled sugar at the Manila International Container Port (MICP). In a statement, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said the smuggled refined sugar came from Hong Kong, inside 10 containers, which was misdeclared as 100,000 kilograms of silica sand per container upon its arrival last May 27. He said the smuggled sugar was found after being subjected to spot-check examinations by Customs authorities and other partner agencies on July 11 following the issuance of Pre-Lodgement Orders (PLOs). 'The PLOs were requested based on information that the shipment contains agricultural products, misdeclared and undeclared goods,' Rubio said. According to BOC, the misdeclared shipment was consigned to a certain Smile Agri Ventures Inc. Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy said that Smile Agri Ventures Inc. may face multiple charges for violation of the Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. The smuggled sugar is subject to the issuance of warrants of seizure and detention. 'Checkmate' against illegal drugs Meanwhile, BOC personnel discovered around PHP3.8 million worth of high-grade Kush marijuana concealed inside several large black chess pieces declared as furniture at the Port of Clark. According to the BOC, the said the shipment consisting of 56 packs of dried leaves and buds hidden inside the large black chess pieces totaled 2,318 grams and came from Bangkok, Thailand. BOC-Port of Clark District Collector Ricardo Uy Morales II considered the discovery a "checkmate" against illegal drug entry attempts. "We will remain consistent and we will continue what we are doing in the frontline to guard our country's borders against the entry of illegal drugs,' he said. A warrant of seizure and detention, meanwhile, was issued against the shipment for violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act in relation to the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)
Source: Philippines News Agency