Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 15) — About 4,000 metric tons (MTs) of sugar valued at over a quarter of a billion pesos was seized at the Port of Batangas (POB) on Saturday.

The shipment, 80,000 bags of Thailand White Refined Sugar worth ₱261 million, was found aboard the vessel MV Sunward, according to the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

The agency said the vessel arrived at the port without a Notice of Arrival for its cargo, which is against customs laws and regulations. The BOC also found that there was no import permit for the sugar.

Upon discovery of the cargo, POB District Collector Atty. Rhea Gregorio issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention citing violations against the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016, and the Food Safety Act of 2013.

Just a few days prior, another shipment of smuggled sugar worth ₱19 million was seized at the Manila International Container Port.

READ: ₱19-million worth of sugar shipment seized