The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is stepping up efforts against agricultural smuggling, particularly in the rice industry, by forming a council to oversee cases of illegal activity.

“Under our new law on agri-smuggling, we will consider them as economic saboteurs. A council is currently being formed, and we are fast-tracking its creation so that our operations against agri-smugglers can continue smoothly,” NBI Director Jaime Santiago said in a radio interview on Sunday.

The council, which will be facilitated by the Court of Tax Appeals, aims to ensure thorough and effective operations against agri-smuggling.

Santiago confirmed that the council will involve multiple agencies with a vested interest in agriculture, ensuring coordinated efforts to combat illegal activities in the sector.

He also said the NBI and Department of Agriculture are closely coordinating in response to the national security concern.

“Many big-time smugglers have already been arrested, and cases have been filed against them in court,” he said.

On 11 February, the NBI Special Task Force raided a warehouse in Bocaue, Bulacan, for allegedly blending various rice varieties and selling them online at high prices.