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LOOK: P28.7M Worth Of Misdeclared 'Sweet Powder' From Vietnam Turns Out To Be Sugar - Seized At Subic Port
Photo credit: BOC
On April 10, 2025, what started as a regular inspection turned into a major bust at the Port of Subic. Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio personally led the operation where fourteen 20-foot container vans supposedly filled with “Sweet Mixed Powder” from Vietnam were flagged—and ultimately seized—for being misdeclared refined sugar.
Yup, you read that right. The shipment, which came all the way from Dong Nai Province in Vietnam, raised red flags for the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) at Subic. The CIIS suspected something fishy, and they were right to be cautious.
After a detailed inspection and lab tests conducted in partnership with the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), it was confirmed: the sucrose content was over 65%, meaning the powder was definitely refined sugar—not just any “sweet mix.” And that mislabeling? It’s not just a paperwork issue. It’s a big violation of several laws, including the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act.
District Collector Marlon Fritz Broto wasted no time and issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention back in March. Now, the shipment—worth a whopping P28.7 million—is undergoing forfeiture proceedings.
Commissioner Rubio stressed that this kind of enforcement is exactly in line with President Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s push to ensure food security and clean up the trading system.
“This seizure shows we mean business,” Rubio said. “We won’t let misdeclared and unregulated goods slip through. This is all about protecting consumers, helping legitimate businesses, and standing up for our local farmers.”
District Collector Broto echoed that commitment, saying the Port of Subic is fully behind this mission. “With every inspection, we’re doing our part to protect the borders and keep trade honest,” he added, also thanking the SRA for being a solid partner in the crackdown.
As the BOC continues to ramp up its efforts under Commissioner Rubio’s 5-Point Priority Program, this latest operation sends a clear message to smugglers: they’re being watched—and they will be stopped.
Yup, you read that right. The shipment, which came all the way from Dong Nai Province in Vietnam, raised red flags for the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) at Subic. The CIIS suspected something fishy, and they were right to be cautious.
After a detailed inspection and lab tests conducted in partnership with the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), it was confirmed: the sucrose content was over 65%, meaning the powder was definitely refined sugar—not just any “sweet mix.” And that mislabeling? It’s not just a paperwork issue. It’s a big violation of several laws, including the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act.
District Collector Marlon Fritz Broto wasted no time and issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention back in March. Now, the shipment—worth a whopping P28.7 million—is undergoing forfeiture proceedings.
Commissioner Rubio stressed that this kind of enforcement is exactly in line with President Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s push to ensure food security and clean up the trading system.
“This seizure shows we mean business,” Rubio said. “We won’t let misdeclared and unregulated goods slip through. This is all about protecting consumers, helping legitimate businesses, and standing up for our local farmers.”
District Collector Broto echoed that commitment, saying the Port of Subic is fully behind this mission. “With every inspection, we’re doing our part to protect the borders and keep trade honest,” he added, also thanking the SRA for being a solid partner in the crackdown.
As the BOC continues to ramp up its efforts under Commissioner Rubio’s 5-Point Priority Program, this latest operation sends a clear message to smugglers: they’re being watched—and they will be stopped.
Apr 10, 2025
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