BOC: 75 criminal cases filed vs. smugglers in 2022

A total of 75 criminal charges have been filed by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) this year against smugglers of various goods in the country, Customs spokesperson and Operations Chief Arnaldo Dela Torre Jr. said Tuesday.

He gave the figures from January to October 13, when asked if there were big-time smugglers being arrested in light of the recent series of confiscation of agriculture products by law enforcers.

“Ang BOC, sa lahat ng mga seizure or activities na ginawa natin, meron na ho tayong mga na-file na criminal cases…involved in illicit trade of various goods simula January hanggang October 13, 2022. May 75 criminal cases na tayong na-file,” Dela Torre told Unang Balita.

(The BOC, with all the seizures or activities we have done, have filed criminal cases against those involved in illicit trade of various goods from January to October 13, 2022. We have filed 75 criminal cases.)

He said the charges were filed before the Department of Justice.

The BOC on Monday announced it has seized around 1,906 metric tons of sugar products valued at P228 million from 76 shipping containers that arrived from Thailand on September 24.

Meanwhile, 57 sacks of imported yellow and white onions in Divisoria were also confiscated by authorities due to alleged violation of the Food and Safety Act.

Dela Torre said they are coordinating with the Department of Agriculture in looking into these reports. The Customs is duty-bound to conduct its own investigation into the smuggling issue if proven that the products were indeed imported, he added.

“Matatandaan natin sa mga nakaraang buwan at taon, mahigpit po ang BOC with regards sa pagbabantay natin ng ating pantalan at mga paliparan lalo po sa isyu ng smuggling ng mga agri products,” he said.

(In the past months and years, the BOC has been strict with regards to our surveillance of our ports and airports, especially on the issue of smuggling of agri products.) —KBK, GMA News