The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted multiple unauthorized shipments, including sugar and illicit cigarettes, at the Port of Manila in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to curb agricultural smuggling.

On May 23, 2025, a joint inspection team led by BOC, the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) found 1,000 sacks of refined sugar from Thailand without the necessary import clearance. Another shipment—1,040 bags labeled “sweet mixed powder”—was abandoned by the importer and is under further examination pending lab results. Both shipments are valued at about Php9 million.

In the same inspection, a misdeclared container labeled as fabric was found to contain Php81 million worth of illicit cigarettes, prompting the issuance of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention. Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio affirmed the agency’s commitment to securing borders and upholding food security, public health, and lawful trade.