Warrant issued vs vessel, 11 fuel ‘smuggler’ trucks

MARIVELES, Bataan — District Collector Atty. Kriden F. Balgomera of the Port of Limay revealed Friday that he issued a warrant of seizure and detention against a vessel and 11 trucks that allegedly used in the foiled fuel smuggling in Marina Beach, Barangay Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan.

At the same time, Collector Balgomera commended the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for helping the Bureau of Customs (BoC) in apprehending the fuel smuggling, resulted in the apprehension of individuals involved in the illegal importation and distribution of petroleum products.

The BoC and NBI seized a motor tanker, MV Effraine, and 11 lorry trucks — four carrying a total of 674,520 liters of illicit fuel valued at P22.438 million.

The NBI-Criminal Intelligence Division (CRID), along with its Counterterrorism and Counterintelligence Divisions, led the enforcement action in collaboration with the BoC and other government agencies.

The operation resulted in the apprehension of individuals involved in the illegal importation and distribution of petroleum products. Authorities seized a motor tanker, MV Effraine, and 11 lorry trucks — four carrying a total of 674,520 liters of illicit fuel valued at P22.438 million last 7 February.

In lauding the NBI and CIDG, Collector Balgomera said these two government agencies feed information to the BoC and the personnel of BoC provide technical support in the successful busting of the foiled fuel smuggling.

“This is not the first time the NBI, CIDG extend support to the BoC, and they are really helping us,” pointed out Balgomera.