The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intercepted a fuel tanker and four lorries caught transferring smuggled fuel at the Port of Batangas.
The BOC said the operation, conducted on Wednesday, Oct. 16, was a result of intelligence gathered by the BOC-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS).
The seized tanker, MTKR Cassandra, was found to be transferring petroleum products into the four lorry tankers without proper markings indicating payment of duties and taxes.
Subsequent SGS fuel marking tests confirmed the illegal nature of the fuel.
BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said the operation was conducted in response to information about rampant fuel pilferage in the ports.
“Our operation against these individuals and groups is not a one-time thing,” Rubio said.
“We have been monitoring them for months and finally, they are now on our hands. It’s the relentless efforts and the commitment of our officers to their mandate that led to the seizure of this tanker and the lorries,” he added.
The CIIS Director, Verne Enciso, praised his team for their successful operation.
“We have been cracking down on these organizations and individuals. But I must commend especially our people on the ground for ensuring information remains protected so that these groups are not tipped off and thereby avoid arrest,” he added.
The seized vessels, fuel, and lorries will face charges for violating customs and tax laws. (Derco Rosal)