THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Tuesday that its enforcement officials have seized around P13-million worth of illegally imported sugar at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

The around 270,000 kilos Thailand-produced refined sugar were stored in eight 40-foot container vans and were misdeclared as school bags, school supplies, toys, among others.

The shipments consigned to Real Top Enterprises, with office address at Rm. 325 Madrigal Bldg., Escolta St., Binondo, Manila, arrived at the MICP from Hong Kong last May hinges in violation of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines.

Last month, a trailer truck containing a 40 foot container van of smuggled sugar consigned also to Real Top Enterprises was intercepted by Task Force Pantalan, a special task force aimed at eradicating port congestion, and turned over to the BOC.

The seizure alerted Customs officials to check on the consignee’s other shipments at the MICP, BOC said.

Enforcement Group issued alert orders on May 20 so that spot checking could be made on the container vans.

Aside from seizure and forfeiture proceedings on the sugar, the BOC said it will also conduct further investigation to determine culpability for smuggling of the Real Top Enterprises owners and customs brokers. (SDR/Sunnex)