Customs files 33 cases vs. alleged agri smugglers

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday said it has filed over a dozen cases against alleged smugglers of agricultural products.

In a statement, the BOC said that from January to November 2022, its Action Team Against Smugglers has filed 33 cases before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against 33 importers and 11 customs brokers for supposed unlawful importation of agricultural products.

Of the 33 cases, the Customs said 22 were filed for violation of the Republic Act. No. 10845 or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling of 2016.

“Of these numbers, nine cases were against nine importers and five customs brokers filed under the administration of Customs Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz due to the BOC's intensified border protection measures,” the agency said.

The BOC said the cases have a total dutiable or transaction value of P251.61 million, “with duties, taxes, and fees amounting to P107.19 million.”

The bureau said it would intensify its risk profiling and inspection of shipments and warehouses in a bid to curb agricultural smuggling that affects the livelihood of local farmers.—Ted Cordero/LDF, GMA Integrated News