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33 cases filed against 33 importers and 11 customs brokers from January to date for alleged unlawful importation of agricultural products
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22 of the cases involve alleged violation of Republic Act. No. 10845, or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016
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The cases cover agricultural products with a total dutiable value of P251.61 million, with duties, taxes, and fees totalling P107.19 million
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has filed 33 cases from January to date against 33 importers and 11 customs brokers for alleged unlawful importation of agricultural products.
Of the 33 cases filed by the Bureau’s Action Team against Smugglers (BATAS) with the Department of Justice, 22 were for the violation of Republic Act. No. 10845, or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016. The remaining 11 were alleged violations of RA 10863, or Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, the agency said in a statement.
The cases cover agricultural products with a total dutiable value of P251.61 million whose duties, taxes, and fees amount to P107.19 million.
BOC earlier said it had seized P701.82 million worth of smuggled agricultural products in 66 seizure operations from January to August 7, 2022.
Acting Customs commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz said this was the result of BOC’s strengthened border protection efforts through intensified intelligence and enforcement operations, and consistent examination and inspection of containers in various ports of entry nationwide.
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