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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Customs foils large-scale fuel smuggling in Bataan

Customs foils large-scale fuel smuggling in Bataan

Published Dec 17, 2023 05:21 am

At A Glance

  • The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted 146,000 liters of unmarked fuel in Mariveles, Bataan on Dec. 16, and seized a motorized tanker used for the smuggling. The estimated value is P88 million.<br>Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio lauded the Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) operatives for their successful operation based on critical intel at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).<br>The operation presented challenges as it occurred in a private port without BOC personnel, emphasizing the importance of the received intelligence.<br>Rubio emphasized that the interception sends a clear message to illicit trade groups, demonstrating the BOC's unwavering commitment to combatting illegal activities, especially during the holiday season.<br>Customs-CIIS Director Verne Enciso stated that the estimated value of the seized fuel and 16 lorry trucks is P88 million, while the vessel used in the smuggling attempt is valued at P60 million.

Amid the holiday rush, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) thwarted the smuggling of unmarked fuel in Bataan and seized the motorized tanker used to transport the illicit cargo.

In a statement, the Customs bureau reported that about 146,000 liters of unmarked fuel were intercepted in Mariveles, Bataan on Saturday, Dec. 16. The estimated value of the illicit goods and 16 accompanying lorry trucks amounts to P88 million.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio lauded the bureau’s Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) operatives at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) for its successful operations.

“Our agents went to the anchorage area upon receiving information that there were several vessels carrying alleged smuggled fuel and thereafter being transferred to lorry trucks,” Rubio said.

“A significant challenge in this operation is that this happened in a private port without BOC personnel, so the intel we received is critical,” the Customs chief further said.

“These groups might think that they can get away with their illegal activities because it’s Christmas season. We’ve just proved them wrong. This latest operation is a message that nothing will stop and distract us from our goal of coming after them,” he added.

Customs-CIIS Director Verne Enciso said that the estimated value of the fuel and 16 lorry trucks is P88 million, while the estimated value of the vessel is P60 million.

“Our agents boarded the MT LORNA 2 at around 9 p.m. last night. They immediately extracted samples of alleged smuggled fuel from the 12 compartments because these samples would need to be tested first,” Enciso said.

“So far, initial test results by ESS fuel marking and SGS mobile laboratory units that arrived around midnight showed that the fuel sampled from the motorized tanker and lorry trucks failed or was umarked. We would need to do further confirmatory tests,” he added.

CIIS-MICP Chief Alvin Enciso also shared that some 11 lorry trucks were in the area waiting to be loaded but of that number, only four trucks were found to be loaded with fuel. An additional five lorry trucks filled with 32,000 liters of fuel were also found during a CIIS follow-up operation, he said.

Customs Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Juvymax Uy assured an even more intensified monitoring of smuggling attempts during the holiday season.

“Although holiday traffic is building, our officers will remain focused on their enforcement mission. We plan to keep the traffic moving while also keeping our eyes on the actions being taken by these groups and prevent smuggled and harmful products from crossing our shores,” he said.

Related Tags

Bureau of Customs Fuel marking Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio
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