THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has filed 33 criminal cases against agricultural traders as part of its fight to end the smuggling of agricultural products, the agency said in a statement yesterday.
The BOC said the cases filed by the bureau has a total dutiable value of P251.61 million, with duties, taxes and fees amounting to P107.19 million.
The bureau’s Action Team Against Smugglers (BATAS) filed cases before the Department of Justice against 33 importers and 11 customs brokers for unlawful importation of agricultural products.
Of the 33 cases, 22 were filed for violation of the Republic Act No. 10845, or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling of 2016.
Nine cases were filed against nine importers and five customs brokers.
The BOC said it has further strengthened risk profiling and inspection of shipments and warehouses, resulting in the filling of appropriate cases against unscrupulous individuals.
“BOC continues to heighten its efforts to suppress agricultural smuggling that heavily affects the local farmers while protecting the welfare of the citizens,” the agency said.
