Businessman sued for P13.6-M sugar smuggling

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) yesterday filed charges before the Department of Justice against a businessman for allegedly smuggling P13.6 million worth of sugar.

BOC Commissioner Alberto Lina filed the case against Kevin Castro, owner of Real Top Enterprises, and Customs broker Jerwin Torreon.

Castro and Torreon were charged with violation of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines and the Revised Penal Code.

The shipment of sugar, loaded in 10 40-foot shipping containers, was misdeclared as school supplies, toys, scooters and plastic bottles from Shanghai, China.

Lina said the contraband arrived at the Manila International Container Port on May 8 and 13.

The latest case brought to 210 the number of smuggling charges filed by the BOC under the Run After The Smugglers or RATS program of President Aquino.