By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) operatives seized more than PHP307.68 million worth of imported sugar during raids on three separate warehouses in Bulacan on Friday.
In a statement on Saturday, CIDG officer-in-charge Col. Ranie P. Hachuela said about 95,568 sacks were discovered inside the three warehouses in an industrial park in Barangay Perez, Meycauayan City.
He said the illegal storage of agricultural products is prohibited by law as it affects the price in the market.
The operations were conducted by CIDG-Bulacan and other police units through a search warrant obtained with the assistance of the Department of Agriculture Inspectorate Enforcement (DA-IE) and Sugar Regulatory Administration.
“The operations underscore our unyielding stance against smuggling of agricultural products and economic sabotage. With the confiscation of this allegedly illegally stored very large amount of sugar, we significantly prevented hoarding and economic sabotage,” Hachuela said.
He said a case of violation of the Republic Act 10845 (Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016) is being prepared against those involved. (PNA)
