P936 million of possibly smuggled sugar found in Bulacan

MANILA, Philippines — Another joint operation to inspect storage facilities resulted in the discovery of close to P1 billion worth of possibly smuggled or hoarded sugar in Bulacan yesterday.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported that a total of 187,369 sacks of sugar, estimated to cost around P936 million, were found at different warehouses in Meycauayan as the government moves to address the sugar crisis.

Acting on letters of authority and mission orders issued by Customs Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz, the BOC, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) targeted the warehouses in the area in search for illegally imported or hoarded sugar.

Out of the total sacks of sugar found, 112,918 were imported from Thailand and discovered at the warehouses at B3 L5 Kendex Drive, Polyland Industrial Subdivision, Edison Lee Marketing Dazo Compound and Olympia Street, Sterling Industrial Park.

The remaining 74,451 sacks were assorted brands of local sugar also found at B3 L5 Kendex Drive, Polyland Industrial Subdivision and Copper Street, Muralla Industrial Park.

Representatives from the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) were present during the inspection to determine if the locally packed sugar was really produced in the country amid possibility that smuggled sugar are repacked and labeled as local.

The BOC said the owners of the warehouse are given 15 days to present necessary documents as proof that the subject goods were legally imported. – Robertzon Ramirez