MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Limay on Wednesday confiscated smuggled cigarettes and rice worth PHP260 million in Orion, Bataan.
In a statement, the BOC said a composite team from Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) intercepted the smuggled “Mighty” and “Two Moon” cigarettes and premium Vietnam rice found inside a ship, LCT Yellow River.
The shipment, which was unloaded from a ship from Vietnam, was consigned to Asia Pacific Rice Trading Corporation with fake statement of settlement of duties and taxes (SSDT) for the rice, and lack of tax seal for the cigarettes.
The BOC said the ship partially unloaded onto several trailer trucks, which were seized in various checkpoints and in the premises of Orion Dockyard.
At least 50 individuals, including crew of LCT Yellow River, are now subjected to inquest proceedings on charges in violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and other laws.
Follow-up operations and investigations are ongoing on the supposed delivery addresses of the seized items, the BOC said. (PNA)
