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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Customs foils fuel smuggling in Zamboanga City

Customs foils fuel smuggling in Zamboanga City

Published Sep 21, 2023 06:26 am

At A Glance

  • The Bureau of Customs seized a vessel, named M/L Zshahuny II, loaded with smuggled fuel products in Zamboanga City. The vessel was apprehended while unloading fuel.<br>The captain and crew of the vessel, along with other facilitators of the fuel smuggling, have been identified for the filing of appropriate charges.<br>Customs officials requested documents to prove the lawful importation of the fuel, but none were presented.<br>The seizure and forfeiture proceedings will be conducted by Customs, as the vessel and its cargo violated the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and the Mandatory Marking of All Petroleum Products.<br>Customs District Collector Arthur G. Sevilla Jr. reaffirmed their commitment to combat smuggling activities with the support and guidance of Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio.

A vessel containing illicit fuel products has been confiscated by the Bureau of Customs in Zamboanga City.

In a statement, Customs said the agency has intercepted the M/L Zshahuny II on Sept. 9 at Brgy. Cawit, Zamboanga City for transporting 89,600 liters of smuggled diesel fuel valued at approximately P5.8 million.

Customs said the operation was initiated based on intelligence information indicating that a vessel originating from Taganak Island, Tawi-Tawi, and destined for Zamboanga City was transporting untaxed fuel products.

“The vessel, marked as M/L Zshahuny II, was apprehended while unloading fuel,” Customs said on Thursday, Sept. 21. “When asked to present documents to prove the lawful importation of the fuel, they were unable to present any.”

According to Customs, the captain, crew, and other individuals involved in the fuel smuggling operation have been identified and will face appropriate charges.

The operation was carried out by the Customs Port of Zamboanga in collaboration with the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, Enforcement and Security Service, Water Patrol Division, TG Aduana SWM/BARMM, and the Coast Guard Inspector General - Southwestern Mindanao.

Customs District Collector Arthur G. Sevilla Jr. emphasized their unwavering dedication to combat and apprehend smuggling activities in the area. 

He reiterated that this commitment is backed by the support and guidance of Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, in line with President Marcos' directive to enhance the agency's anti-smuggling campaign.

The vessel, along with its cargo, is currently in the custody of Customs for the initiation of seizure and forfeiture proceedings. 

This is due to the violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, as well as the Mandatory Marking of All Petroleum Products stipulated in the National Internal Revenue Code.

Related Tags

Bureau of Customs Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio Fuel smuggling
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