UNMARKED FUEL SEIZED. Agents of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port seal a gasoline station in Abucay, Bataan on Jan. 30, 2024. Authorities found and seized 3,100 liters of unmarked fuel worth PHP10.5 million from the gasoline station. (Photo courtesy of BOC)
MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday reported the seizure of PHP10.5 million worth of smuggled fuel in a compound in Bataan province.
Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP), Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) and the National Bureau of Investigation-Anti-Organized and Transnational Crime Division (NBI-AOTCD) seized the contraband fuel in an operation at the V Fuel Gasoline Station and Compound on Roman Super Highway, Barangay Mabatang in Abucay town on Jan. 30.
In a statement, BOC-CIIS director Verne Enciso said the team found and inspected 2,587 liters of diesel fuel, 3,134 liters of unleaded gasoline, and 5,342 liters of premium gasoline.
“Our agents also entered the compound where they found 3,100 liters of the unmarked fuels stored in four IBC (intermediate bulk container) tanks. These were later on confirmed by the failed fuel mark test conducted by SGS Mobile Laboratory-Limay and the ESS Fuel Marking Team,” he said.
He added that the fuel with failed results were brought to the SGS Subic for confirmatory testing.
Enciso, however, noted that the fuels found at the gasoline station passed the fuel marking test conducted by SGS Mobile Laboratory - Subic and ESS Fuel Marking Team, but its owner is still required to present proof of payment of duties and taxes for the imported fuels.
Following the operation, the raiding team padlocked and sealed the fuels that were subjected to inspection.
If found without proper documents and necessary permits, the owners of the gasoline station and compound could face charges in violation of Sections 1401 and 1430 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), Sections 148-A, 254, and 265-A of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), as amended by the the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act. (PNA)
