P87.6 million smuggled rice, sugar destroyed in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines — Smuggled rice and sugar with a combined value of P87.6 million were destroyed in this city yesterday, according to the Bureau of Customs. BOC district collector Manuel Zurbito said the contraband included more than 1.2 million tons of rice and 65,250 tons of sugar contained in 37,037 and 1,305 sacks, respectively. Zurbito said the contraband were seized in anti-smuggling operations conducted in 2019, 2021 and 2024, and recently forfeited following completion of legal processes. The goods were described to be unfit for consumption, based on the recommendation of the Bureau of Plant Industry, Zurbito said. The destruction of the contraband in Barangay Manicahan was witnessed by officials and representatives of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, National Bureau of Investigation and the Commission on Audit.