P42-M smuggled rice from Vietnam seized

MANILA, Philippines - A total of P42.5-million worth of rice believed to have been smuggled from Vietnam were seized at the Port of Subic.

Customs Commissioner Rufino Biazon said the rice was found in 90 units of 40-foot container vans.

“This is a large-scale attempt to smuggle rice into the country by misdeclaring the shipment of rice which, had it not been for our alert customs operatives, could have affected the livelihood of many of our local farmers,” he said. “We will vigorously pursue charges against those involved in this attempt.”  

Out of the 90 container vans, 50 units arrived last June 13 and the remaining 40 units came in last June 20.

The rice was reportedly misdeclared as construction materials and gypsum boards.

The Food and Drug Administration will check the rice to ensure that they are not contaminated with chemicals before they are disposed of.

The shipment were allegedly consigned to Masagana Import Export, Inc., with address at 2161 P. Paterno St., De la Paz, Biñan, Laguna and Oriental Tradelink Express, Inc. of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.