Port workers open a sack of sugar from a cargo container at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), Manila North Harbor Port on Thursday. The misdeclared shipment contained smuggled 50-kilogram sacks of sugar from Thailand that were packed tightly inside 12 container vans. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – The Bureau of Customs has seized P20 million worth of smuggled sugar from Thailand, the bureau told reporters on Thursday.
Sacks of refined white sugar were found hidden behind boxes of kitchenware inside a dozen container vans.
The shipment, declared as kitchenware, arrived at the Manila International Container Terminal in May. It was consigned to Strong Winds Enterprises and Real Top Enterprises.
The BOC revoked the accreditation of Real Top Enterprises and banned the company from future shipments into the country.
Authorities, headed by Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina, are currently investigating the consignees.(MNS)