P87.6 Million Worth of Smuggled Rice, Sugar Destroyed in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Smuggled rice and sugar valued at P87.6 million were destroyed in this city on Tuesday, according to the Bureau of Customs (BOC). BOC district collector Manuel Zurbito said 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 in anti-smuggling operations conducted in 2019, 2021, and most recently in 2024, and were recently forfeited following the completion of legal processes. The goods were described as unfit for consumption, based on the recommendation of the Bureau of Plant Industry. The destruction took place in Barangay Manicahan and was witnessed by officials and representatives from the Philippine National Police, Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, National Bureau of Investigation, and the Commission on Audit. Smuggling of food items is strictly monitored in the Philippines, both to protect the domestic agricultural sector and to ensure public health. Rice and sugar are staple commodities vital to the Filipino diet. The large-scale destruction of these smuggled goods underscores the authorities' firm stance against illicit trade, which can harm local farmers and pose health risks to consumers. Information Source: Philstar Nation