Group urges donation of seized smuggled sugar to Japan

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines—Smuggled sugar confiscated at the Manila International Port may be sent as part of the Philippines’ assistance to Japan, which is reeling from the devastation caused by the massive March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Sugar Regulatory Administrator Ma. Regina Martin said Friday that the sugar industry has recommended the donation of the seized sugar shipment but the proposal needs to be approved by the national government.

Martin said numerous container vans of smuggled sugar have been seized, the latest of which were 34 container vans confiscated at the Manila International Port.

Batangas Representative Hermilando Mandanas, chair of the House ways and means committee, joined the Bureau of Customs and SRA representatives on Thursday in inspecting five of the 34 abandoned container vans.

It was discovered that three of the five container vans contained refined sugar from Thailand, Martin said.

Each container had 500 50-kilo bags of sugar, she said.

The consignee, Berina Agri-buiness and General Merchandise, brought in 34 containers, which were declared as exercise equipment and paper board.

The Bureau of Customs declared them abandoned after they were not withdrawn since their arrival on Feb. 11, 2011, said Martin.

The rest of the container vans will be opened next week.

source: globalnation.inquirer.net