Latest news with #CustomsModernizationandTariffAct
GMA Network
3 days ago
- GMA Network
Almost P8M worth of kush seized in Pasay mail hub — BOC
Authorities intercepted 5.7 kilos of kush with a street value of P7.9 million during a routine inspection at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Monday. BOC said the illegal narcotic, a high-grade variant of marijuana, was found to be concealed within ten parcels, which were flagged for irregularities during x-ray screening and inspected by members of the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group. The kush has been turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for further case build up. 'We understand the dangers illegal drugs bring to our families and neighborhoods,' Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said in a statement. 'That's why we're stepping up inspections, working closely with other agencies, and using every tool we have to stop these substances before they reach our communities,' he added. Authorities are now tracking down the intended recipients. According to Customs, those involved could face charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. It added the CMEC has long been a key entry point for drug shipments hidden in parcels. 'Our officers remain alert 24/7. This interception is proof of what a united front against smuggling can accomplish,' District Collector Yasmin Mapa said. —Joahna Lei Casilao/RF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
29-05-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
‘Smuggled' sugar shipments worth P9 million seized in Manila port
Authorities have intercepted two separate shipments of sugar, which lacked necessary permits, at the Port of Manila (POM) for violations of customs and importation rules. In a statement, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona, BOC Assistant Commissioner of the Post Clearance Audit Group Vincent Philip Maronilla, Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy, and POM District Collector Alexander Gerard Alviar jointly led the inspection of the intercepted sugar shipments on Thursday, May 29, 2025. The BOC said the first operation was carried out on May 23, 2025, following a Pre-Lodgement Control Order issued by the BOC-POM. The Customs said a joint team from the BOC, SRA, DA, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and other enforcement units examined two 20-foot container vans from Thailand containing 1,000 sacks of refined sugar. While the consignee was registered with the SRA, the BOC said the shipment lacked the required import allocation and clearance, rendering the importation unauthorized. The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS)-POM recommended the issuance of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) for violations of Section 117 (Regulated Importation and Exportation) in relation to Section 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), and Sugar Order No. 6, Series of 2022–2023. Another shipment, which arrived on April 29 at the POM from Thailand, involved two container vans of refined sugar imported 'without any permit or import allocation from the SRA.' The BOC said it examined the two abandoned 20-foot containers in coordination with the SRA, DA, Chamber of Customs Brokers Inc. (CCBI), Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) -POM, and CIIS-POM and found 1,040 bags labeled 'sweet mixed powder.' Both shipments of sugar are valued at approximately P9 million, according to the Customs. 'President Marcos Jr. has made it clear that the smuggling of agricultural commodities and other regulated goods will not be tolerated. These operations are a direct response to his marching orders to safeguard our borders and protect the welfare of the Filipino people,' said Rubio. In a separate statement, Tiu Laurel said, 'We cannot let these illicit trading practices undermine the agriculture sector and hurt our farmers, particularly those in the sugar industry.' 'The closer coordination among government agencies to clamp down on smuggling as well as the implementation of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law which doesn't allow bail should put fear on these illicit traders,' the Agriculture chief said. The DA chief instructed the SRA to blacklist the importers of the seized sugar shipments. The DA, through its Inspectorate and Enforcement office, last year seized P2.83 billion worth of smuggled farm goods, around P1 billion higher compared to the level in 2023. From January through May 19 this year, DA-IE already seized and condemned smuggled farm goods worth a total P407.6 million. — Ted Cordero/BM, GMA Integrated News
