Camp Col Romeo A Abendan, Mercedes, Zamboanga City – November 11, 2024
In an early morning crackdown, authorities intercepted a significant shipment of smuggled sugar in Zamboanga City. The operation, carried out by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Special Operations Unit-Regional Intelligence Division 9 (SOU-RID 9) in partnership with Zamboanga City Police Station 9, led to the arrest of four suspects connected to the illicit cargo.
The operation, initiated at 3:40 AM in Baradero, Barangay Cawit, Zamboanga City, involved the apprehension of four individuals: a 48-year-old male driver, a 43-year-old truck helper, a 49-year-old truck driver, and a 44-year-old alternate truck driver. Intelligence efforts had directed authorities to a truck loaded with approximately 900 bags of sugar without proper documentation, confirming suspicions of smuggling.
Additional sacks, similar in brand and appearance, were discovered stacked nearby, further corroborating the illegal nature of the operation. Authorities are conducting a full inventory of the seized goods, including two 10-wheeler wing van trucks used to transport the sugar, with the final quantity and market value to be disclosed after inspection by the BOC examiner.
The arrested individuals face charges under Republic Act 10611 (Food Safety Act of 2013) and Republic Act 10845 (Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016). Authorities are also working to identify and apprehend the owner of the smuggled goods, who will face further legal action.
This operation highlights the Bureau of Customs’ ongoing commitment to curb the entry of illegal goods, in collaboration with local law enforcement, protecting public welfare and upholding trade laws.
