The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intercepted two separate sugar shipments and a container of counterfeit cigarettes at the Port of Manila, with an estimated total value of over P90 million.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, along with top officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), and other enforcement agencies, led the inspection of the shipments on May 29.

The first shipment, consisting of 1,000 sacks of refined sugar from Thailand, was flagged on May 23 after a Pre-Lodgement Control Order was issued. Although the consignee was registered with the SRA, the shipment lacked the required import allocation and clearance, making the importation unauthorized. A Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) was recommended for violating Section 117 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and Sugar Order No. 6.

In a separate case, the BOC examined two abandoned 20-foot containers found at Warehouse 3 of the port. The shipment contained 1,040 bags labeled “sweet mixed powder.” The registered importer disclaimed ownership due to the shipment’s unexpected arrival and the cost of accumulated demurrage fees. A Decree of Abandonment was issued, followed by a Certificate of Finality to authorize formal inspection. The BOC is currently awaiting laboratory analysis from the SRA to determine the shipment’s contents.

Combined, the two sugar shipments are valued at approximately ₱9 million.

During the same inspection, authorities discovered a 40-foot container misdeclared as fabric. It was found to contain 1,046 boxes or 52,300 reams of counterfeit cigarettes, estimated to be worth ₱81.065 million. A WSD was issued for violating Sections 1400 and 1113 of the CMTA, in relation to National Tobacco Administration Board Resolution No. 079-2005.

Commissioner Rubio reiterated that these operations are part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to combat smuggling and protect public welfare.

“President Marcos Jr. has made it clear that the smuggling of agricultural commodities and other regulated goods will not be tolerated,” Rubio said. “These operations are a direct response to his marching orders to safeguard our borders and protect the welfare of the Filipino people.”