Subic: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday spearheaded the inspection of 14 seized 20-foot container vans carrying misdeclared refined sugar from Vietnam, valued at an estimated PHP28.72 million.

According to Philippines News Agency, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio led the examination of these apprehended agricultural goods, which were confiscated due to violations of customs regulations and relevant legal provisions. The shipment, originating from Dong Nai Province, Vietnam and declared as ‘sweet mixed powder,’ was flagged by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS)-Port of Subic for potential misdeclaration and regulatory non-compliance.

A laboratory analysis conducted in partnership with the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) found that the sucrose content of the samples surpassed 65 percent, resulting in the reclassification of the shipment to refined sugar, which contradicted the declared description. These results constitute breaches of SRA Sugar Order No. 7, S. 2003-2004; SRA and BOC Joint Memorandum Order No. 04-2002; and Sections 1400 and 1113 (f)(k) 1, 4, and 5 of Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), along with Sec. 7 (a) and (e) of the Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act.

Port of Subic District Collector Marlon Fritz Broto issued a warrant of seizure and detention (WSD) on March 28 for the subject goods, which are currently undergoing forfeiture proceedings. He emphasized the Port of Subic’s commitment to securing borders and maintaining the integrity of lawful trade through rigorous inspections and decisive enforcement actions, expressing gratitude to the SRA for its unwavering support during the operation.

Commissioner Rubio highlighted that this operation aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure food security, uphold trade integrity, and fight against agricultural smuggling.