Bureau of Customs (BOC) agents raided in two separate operations two warehouses in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan owned by a Chinese-Filipino sugar trader late Wednesday evening, Aug. 17, and on Thursday afternoon, Aug. 18.
The operations were part of the government’s campaign against suspected sugar hoarders. The Wednesday operation in a warehouse along Kaypian Road, Brgy. Kaypian was through Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez’ order.
Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service and Enforcement and Security Service personnel found an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 sacks of different kinds of sugar, which were neatly stacked in the warehouse owned by Victor Chua.
Chua claimed that the sugar stock was “locally purchased.”
Chua received a copy of a letter of authority which granted visitorial power to the BOC to inspect warehouses and facilities suspected of storing smuggled goods or of committing other violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
He has 15 days to present documents and evidence to prevent prosecution and product forfeiture in favor of the government.
Meanwhile, the Thursday operation of the BOC and the Department of Agriculture (DA) found an estimated 42,733 sacks of sugar which is roughly equivalent to 2,150 metric tons worth P215 million.
The joint BOC-DA raid was based on information that the warehouse owned by Chua has been allegedly storing hoarded sugar aimed at taking huge profits from the current high sugar prices in the market.
READ MORE: BOC raids sugar warehouse in Pampanga, hoarders warned
Earlier in Pampanga, BOC agents raided a warehouse following reports of its alleged smuggling of Thailand sugar that are repacked and sold as “local sugar.” (PR)
-ag
