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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider BOC forfeits P42 M smuggled rice in Zamboanga

BOC forfeits P42 M smuggled rice in Zamboanga

Published Sep 15, 2023 06:03 am

At A Glance

  • Over 42,000 sacks of rice were confiscated by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Brgy. San Jose Gusu, Zamboanga City, valued at P42 million and were identified as Alas Jasmine Fragrant rice.<br>The owners failed to provide proper import documents, leading to the forfeiture of the rice. The inspection and raid were conducted on May 19 by the BOC, with assistance from Coast Guard Intelligence Group-Southwestern Mindanao, Task Force Aduana, and Marine Battalion Landing Team 11.<br>A Letter of Authority signed by Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio authorized the raid.<br>Discrepancies were found between the seized goods and the contents declared in the owners' documents.<br>On Sept. 1, the Customs port of Zamboanga issued an Order of Forfeiture against the confiscated sacks.<br>District Collector Arthur G. Sevilla Jr. emphasized that the Port of Zamboanga will remain vigilant in monitoring and responding to reports of smuggling in all forms.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confiscated over 42,000 sacks of rice in Zamboanga City.

In a statement, Customs said the bureau forfeited 42,180 sacks of Alas Jasmine Fragrant rice, valued at P42 million, that were discovered inside a warehouse in Brgy. San Jose Gusu, Zamboanga City.

The agency said the confiscation was a result of the owners' failure to provide proper import documents.

Last May 19, Customs, in collaboration with the Coast Guard Intelligence Group-Southwestern Mindanao, Task Force Aduana, and Marine Battalion Landing Team 11, conducted an inspection of the warehouse based on information regarding the presence of smuggled rice.

A Letter of Authority, signed by Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, was issued to authorize the raid.

Subsequently, the owner's representative submitted import documents, which were verified and investigated by the Enforcement and Security Service - Customs Police Division and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service.

"However, upon verification of documents submitted and investigation… it was found out that the subject confiscated goods were not covered by requisite Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) from the Bureau of Plant Industry,” Customs said.

The agency further said there were discrepancies between the actual seized goods and the contents declared in the documents presented by the owners.

“The proofs of payment submitted referred to a shipment of ‘White Rice 15 percent Broken’ while based on the actual examination, the seized sacks of rice were Jasmine Fragrant Rice,” Customs said.

On Sept. 1, the Customs port of Zamboanga issued an Order of Forfeiture against the sacks.

District Collector Arthur G. Sevilla Jr. stated that the Port of Zamboanga will remain vigilant and take action on reports related to all forms of smuggling.

“This is pursuant to Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio’s and President Ferdinand R. Marcos’ marching order to go after hoarders and illegal importers of rice,” Sevilla said.

The forfeited goods shall be disposed of in a manner provided for by law.

Related Tags

Bureau of Customs Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio rice smuggling
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