The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has filed a total of 33 cases so far in the continuing efforts to run after smugglers of agricultural products in the country.
BOC acting Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz said the cases were against 33 importers and 11 customs brokers whose names cropped up during the operations conducted from January to November this year.
Of the cases filed, 22 were filed for violation of the Republic Act. No. 10845, or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling of 2016, while the rest were also related to agricultural smuggling.
"This is proof that the BOC remains steadfast in its fight to end the smuggling of agricultural products," said Ruiz.
"The cases filed involved a total dutiable value of P251.61 million, with duties, taxes, and fees amounting to P107.19 million," he added.
Ruiz vowed to sustain the efforts against agricultural smuggling by ordering all BOC personnel to strengthen risk profiling and inspection of shipments and warehouses.