AN estimated 125,000 sacks of rice allegedly smuggled into the country were found in seven warehouses in Marilao, Bulacan during a raid last Tuesday, the Bureau of Customs said.
The numerous sacks of rice, with an estimated value of Php300 million, were discovered inside seven warehouses at the Federal Corp. compound in Barangay Ibayo.
According to the bureau, operatives from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service and Philippine National Police launched the raid following information that large quantities of smuggled rice are stashed inside the compound.
They later found out that of the 11 warehouses inside the compound, seven are used to store rice, which according to investigation, may have been imported from Thailand, China, and India.
Customs authorities are waiting for the warehouse owners, lessee, or the owner of the imported goods to present proof that payment of duties and taxes has been made for the imported rice.
Confirmation whether or not the rice is smuggled is still being determined by Customs agents. (Betheena Kae Unite)