ROUTINE CHECK. Agents of the Bureau of Customs and Enforcement and Security Service - Quick Response Team of the Manila International Container Port inspect the La Perla Sugar Export Corp.’s warehouse along Sgt. Rivera Street in Quezon City on Aug. 23, 2022. No irregular findings were reported about the warehouse that contained 57,000 sacks of imported refined sugar from Thailand valued at PHP285 million. (Photo courtesy of BOC)
MANILA – One of the “surprise visits” of agents of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) took them to a sugar warehouse in Quezon City, according to information shared on Saturday.
Authorities headed by the BOC - Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service inspected the La Perla Sugar Export Corp.’s warehouse along Sgt. Rivera Street on August 23 and found 57,000 sacks of imported refined sugar from Thailand with an estimated value of PHP285 million.
Each sack contained 50 kg. worth PHP5,000.
In a statement, the BOC said the inspection was initiated by a Letter of Authority (Reference No. 08-23-168-2022) issued by Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz.
Examiners conducted a routine inventory and inspection and validated the clearances from the Sugar Regulatory Administration.
The BOC did not report any irregular findings or confiscation.
The group was composed of agents from the Enforcement and Security Service - Quick Response Team of the Manila International Container Port and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles previously said the BOC and other agencies would continuously inspect sugar warehouses under the intensified campaign of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. against the illegal importation of agricultural products.
“The government crackdown against hoarders and profiteers is part of the campaign of the Marcos government to bring down the price of sugar,” she said.
Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez also met with owners of giant chains Robinsons Supermarket, SM Supermarket, and Puregold and secured their owners’ commitment to reduce prices to PHP70 per kg. from a high of PHP110. (PNA)
