Smuggled Rice Worth of P300-Million Seized in 7 Warehouses in Bulacan

At least seven (7) warehouses in Marilao, Bulacan were raided by the Bureau of Customs operatives and members of the Philippine National Police after authorities received reports that large quantities of smuggled rice are being kept inside.

An estimated 125,000 sacks of imported rice valued at P300 million were discovered inside seven warehouses located at Federal Corporation (FedCor) Compound in Barangay Ibayo, Bulacan. The alleged smuggled rice were suspected to have been smuggled into the country from Thailand, India and China.

Customs authorities are waiting for the parties responsible for the imported goods to present proof that payment for the duties and taxes of the smuggled rice has been made.

According to authorities, operatives from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) and Philippine National Police (PNP) conducted the raid, following an information obtained that large quantities of smuggled rice were being stashed inside the compound. Out of the 11 reported warehouses, seven were used to store rice.

The BOC also noted that the confirmation on whether the rice were smuggled or not was still being determined by Customs agents.

In case the importers fail to present pertinent documents that the importation was legal, the rice will be seized by the Customs bureau and will be auctioned off once the National Food Authority determines the rice stash is safe for consumption.

The owners of the controversial stock of rice as well as the oner of FedCor will also be summoned to explain why they have been storing large quantities of rice despite current problems on rice in the country.

Source: PNA

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