CUSTOMS agents have seized two oil vessels carrying a combined 45,000 metric tons of smuggled fuel worth P700 million in the port of Limay in Bataan, newly appointed Deputy Customs Commissioner Edward James Dy Buco said Monday.
He said Customs agents seized the M/T Alpine Magnolia and the M/T Malolos on December 15 when the two vessels were seen unloading fuel without authority.
He said Limay Acting District Collector Julius Premediles received information on the arrival of the M/T Alpine Magnolia and the possibility that the ship could be carrying smuggled fuel.
He said a Customs team was immediately dispatched to the area to monitor the movements of the vessel and its crew members.
“In the afternoon of December 15, 2016, M/T Malolos Limay was seen to have shipsided with the M/T Alpine Magnolia and the discharging of fuel started,” Dy Buco said.
“This was done without lodgment or filing of entry. No duties and taxes were paid. This is pure smuggling in violation of Customs laws and regulations.”
The vessels’ cargo was consigned to S.L. Harbor Bulk Terminal Corp., Dy Buco said. He said Customs was now preparing charges against the Bataan-based company.
