Bureau of Customs Destroys P87.6 Million in Smuggled Rice and Sugar in Zamboanga
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Zamboanga City has destroyed P87.6 million worth of smuggled rice and sugar. According to BOC district collector Manuel Zurbito, the contraband included over 1.2 million tons of rice and 65,250 tons of sugar, contained in 37,037 and 1,305 sacks, respectively. These goods were seized during anti-smuggling operations conducted in 2019, 2021, and 2024, and were recently forfeited after legal processes were completed. The Department of Agriculture certified the goods as unfit for commerce and human consumption, based on the recommendation of the Bureau of Plant Industry. The destruction, which took place in Barangay Manicahan, was witnessed by officials and representatives from various agencies including the Philippine National Police, Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, National Bureau of Investigation, and the Commission on Audit.