THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized 118, 20-footer containers of illegal importations of Thai white rice with a market value of P118 million.
The shipments, consigned to Calumpit Multi-Purpose Cooperative, arrived at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) from Thailand on separate occasions in November and December, BOC said Friday.
Upon verification of the Bureau, the shipments lacked the required import permit.
A warrant of seizure and detention was immediately issued against the rice importations for violation of Section 2530 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines, as amended, by Republic Act No. 7651 and lack of import permit from the National Food Authority (NFA).
MICP Customs officials sought verification from the NFA if the various shipments were issued an import permit. On January 7, NFA clarified it did not issue any permit to the consignee, the Calumpit Multi-Purpose Cooperative.
Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina has ordered immediate investigation to identify personalities involved in the illegal importations.
MICP officials have also recommended auction proceedings in order to preserve the value and quality of the seized rice and contribute to the revenues of the government.
"Our bureau's anti-smuggling drive, as shown by the exemplary and strengthened teamwork exhibited by our intelligence and enforcement groups with our new district collectors, should serve as a reminder to smugglers that illicit trade in the bureau will prosecuted in accordance with the law," Lina said.
"It's no longer business as usual. The Bureau is working with various government agencies to make sure smuggling is addressed with an iron hand." (SDR/Sunnex)