MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized an estimated P30 million worth of allegedly contraband sugar at the Port of Subic, as reported by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).
Pablo Luis Azcona, the SRA administrator, stated that the Bureau of Customs (BOC) detained the release of 10,000 sacks holding 500 metric tons of incorrectly declared sugar imports from Vietnam.
The SRA refrained from revealing the consignee, stating that it was still unaware of the importer’s identity.
During a press briefing on Tuesday night, Azcona stated that the substance seized roughly three weeks prior consisted of 88% sucrose and 12% dextrose but was falsely identified as simply white sweetener.
‘Not sugar’
“It is officially classified as something other than sugar. Nevertheless, they are undergoing tests to assess their sugar content,” he explained, noting that the SRA sent out staff members to collect samples for chemical examination.
“I get this impression from the packaging and overall look of it; it appears to be meant for reselling. However, that’s just my personal view,” he stated to the press.
Azcona stated that the tests will determine whether the substance is actually sugar. Should this be verified, the BOC will either seize it or auction it off through the Kadiwa store.
Up for auction
“Typically, seized sugar is either sold or put up for auction. Nevertheless, our proposal suggests that prior to being auctioned off, the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) ought to categorize it for use within households. This reclassification would allow us to keep track of the quantities involved,” he explained further.
Azcona highlighted that an increase in these products might destabilize the whole sugarcane sector.
“If items are slipping through undetected this way—since our strategies rely on our output and the sugar we lawfully bring in—it could spoil our plans,” he further stated.
According to the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law, acts such as smuggling, stockpiling, and engaging in cartels related to farm produce are classified as economic sabotage.
The illegal transport and stockpiling of farm produce can be classified as economic sabotage if the worth of the items goes beyond P10 million.