Customs seizes P42 million smuggled rice in Zamboanga City

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs has forfeited over 40,000 sacks of allegedly smuggled rice valued at P42 million in Zamboanga City.

In a statement, BOC said its Port of Zamboanga forfeited some 42,180 sacks of rice worth P42 million following a raid on a warehouse in Zamboanga City.

The recent BOC inspection revealed tens of thousands of sacks of Alas Jasmine fragrant rice.

The owner’s representative then submitted import documents pursuant to the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).?

Upon verification, however, it was found out that the subject confiscated goods were not covered by requisite sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance from the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industry.?

The BOC also found discrepancies in the actual seized goods from what was declared in the documents.

Furthermore, the proof of payment submitted referred to a shipment of the cheaper white rice 15 percent broken, but actual examination revealed that it was jasmine fragrant rice, which is supposed to be more expensive.

The order of forfeiture was due to violation of the CMTA, Rice Tariffication Law and the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act.

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

The BOC maintained that it would continue to monitor and act on reports regarding smuggling in all forms amid the call of President Marcos to go after hoarders and illegal importers of rice.