Agents of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has inspected a sugar warehouse in Quezon City in the continuing effort to ensure that no individuals or traders are hoarding or smuggling sugar amid the reported shortage of supply.
In a statement, the BOC said the inspection of the La Perla Sugar Export Corporation sugar warehouse in Quezon City is part of the government's action to ensure that there would be ample supply of sugar in the market.
The inspection was conducted by the BOC's Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, the Enforcement and Security Service-Quick Response Team of the Manila International Container Port, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
It was carried out based on the Letter of Authority issued by BOC Commissioner Commissioner Yogi Filemon L. Ruiz.
"The team moved to check the contents of the warehouse and found 57,000 sacks of imported refined sugar from Thailand with an estimated value of P285 million. Each sack contained 50 kilos and was estimated to be worth P5,000," the statement read.
"The composite team and the customs examiners conduct a routinary inventory and inspection of incoming goods. Clearances from the Sugar Regulatory Administration covering the goods are also validated by the team," it added.
The reported shortage of sugar supply has already affected the production of the soft drinks in the country.
President Marcos earlier tasked the BOC and other government agencies to run after hoarders and smugglers of sugar following the controversy that stemmed from the supposed order from Malacanan to import 300,000 metric tons of sugar.
District Collector Romeo Allan Rosales said the Port remains vigilant in monitoring the processing and release of sugar imports in the country.