BOC intensifies drive vs rice smuggling, sale of fake rice

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs has intensified further its campaign against the smuggling of rice, particularly the so-called “synthetic” or fake variety, and other basic commodities that may imperil the health and general welfare of the public.

In a statement on Wednesday, the BOC quoted Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina as having said that the Department of Finance-attached agency has always been, and would continue to be “committed to curb the smuggling of basic commodities like rice that disadvantageously affects our country.”

“In fact, we are working in close coordination with the National Food Authority, local government units and law enforcement authorities like the Armed Forces, Philippine National Police and the Coast Guard to seize contraband within Customs authority,” Lina also said.

Over the weekend, the BOC head conducted a surprise inspection of several Davao ports to check on the presence of fake rice in shipments.

The ports include the Davao International Container Terminal, Panabo Wharf, Port of Davao and the Sasa Wharf, among others.

“The inspected rice shipment, however, were negative for plastic or fake rice,” said the Customs Public Information and Assistance Division (PIAD).

On July 7, combined elements of the BOC Intelligence Group and the NFA raided several establishments in Manila where they confiscated over 1,500 kilos of smuggled rice from China.

In a related development, Customs Intelligence Group operatives and Coast Guard personnel jointly seized P10 million worth of illegally imported rice, sugar and cigarettes in the Port of Zamboanga.

The smuggled items were recovered from the vessels ML Nur-Enaand and MV Kristel Jane, both docked at the Zamboanga port.

An undisclosed number of bags of rice and sugar were reportedly found in the cabins, chimneys and engine bilges of the vessels.

BOC-Zamboanga district collector Jerry Loresco reported to the Customs head office in Manila that they were set to file the appropriate charges against the suspected smugglers, as well as issue warrants of seizure and detention against the subject vessels and illegally imported items. SFM