Search on for 4 tankers believed to be involved in fuel smuggling

A worker fills the tank of a truck transporting vegetables with diesel at a gas station in this photo taken on April 26, 2021. (File picture from AFP)

MANILA, Philippines —  Bureau of Customs (BOC) is pursuing four other tankers allegedly linked to the smuggling of 158,000 liters of unmarked fuel in Mariveles, Bataan, on December 16.

The operation comes, after BOC-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) seized a tanker and 16 lorry trucks that are believed to have been used in the smuggling of petroleum.

Bureau operatives were able to intercept some 154,000 liters of unmarked diesel and 4,000 liters of unmarked gasoline from the impounded vehicles.

The value of the fuel discovered is estimated at more than P141,000,000.

BOC said the vessel and the trucks are being held pending investigation.

Inquest proceedings were conducted for the drivers and helpers on board the seized vehicles.

The preliminary investigation is set for January 8, 2024 at the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Bataan.