BOC, PNP raid warehouses for storing alleged smuggled rice

September 12, 2018

Operatives from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) of the Bureau of Customs, together with the Philippine National Police on Tuesday, September 11, raided several warehouses in Marilao, Bulacan after receiving information that large quantities of smuggled rice are stashed inside.

According to BOC authorities, more or less 125,000 sacks of imported rice, with an estimated market value of P300 million were discovered inside the seven warehouses located at the Federal Corporation (FedCor) Compound at Barangay Ibayo, Marilao, Bulacan.

Initial information showed that the sacks of rice are reportedly imported from Thailand, China, and India.

Representatives from the National Food Authority (NFA) in Bulacan were present when the BOC-CIIS and PNP raided the compound.

Seven out of the total of 11 warehouses inside the compound were being used to store the thousands of sacks of rice.

Meanwhile, Customs authorities are waiting for the warehouse owners, lessee or the owner of the imported goods to present proof that payment of duties and taxes has been made for the imported rice.

The Bureau is stepping up its operations in thwarting rice smuggling given the price hike in the country's staple grain. It can also be recalled that President Rodrigo Duterte made a pronouncement that the government will go after rice hoarders who contribute to the increasing cost of rice in the country.

Customs commissioner Isidro Lapena has given strict directives to the Bureau’s Intelligence and Enforcement Groups to go after suspected rice smugglers and hoarders of imported rice and other agricultural products. DMS