Customs seizes ₱42.5 million worth of rice from Vietnam‏

 

Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon inspects the ₱42.5 million worth of smuggled rice from Vietnam seized at Subic Bay Freeport yesterday. EDD GUMBAN . Photo by PhilSTAR

The Bureau of Customs (BoC) seized ₱42.5 million worth of smuggled rice from Vietnam, the biggest haul of illegal agricultural product importation seized by the BOC  under the Aquino administration.

BOC Commissioner Rufino Biazon said the 90 units of 40-footer container vans arrived at the Port of Subic (POS) and were misdeclared as construction materials and gypsum boards.

"This is a large scale attempt to smuggle rice into the country by misdeclaring the illegal shipment. We will vigorously pursue charges against those involved in this attempt," he said.

The shipments arrived in two batches, the first 50 was last June 13, 2012 while the remaining 40 units came in last June 20.

Biazon said they are thinking of turning the seized items to the National Food Authority (NFA) or sell it through auction as additional revenue for the bureau.

However, the shipment would be subjected to tests by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) to ensure that it is fit for human consumption before they are disposed off.

The Food and Drug Administration will check the rice to ensure that they are not contaminated with chemicals before they are disposed of.

The shipments were allegedly consigned to Masagana Import Export, Inc., of 2161 P. Paterno St., De La Paz, Binan, Laguna and Oriental Tradelink Express, Inc. of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

A background check will be conducted on the said firms.

The seizure was a joint operation of the Office of the Commissioner's Revenue Enhancements for the Attainment of Collection Targets (REACT) Task Force, Enforcement Group (EG) and the POS District Collector's Office.