A JOINT operation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) raided a rice warehouse in Bocaue, Bulacan, uncovering a scheme involving the mixing of old imported rice with local rice.
The raid, conducted on Tuesday, February 11, at a large warehouse in Golden City, Brgy. Wakas, revealed tons of rice sacks, the total value of which is yet to be determined.
Authorities discovered that old imported rice, bearing the year 2024 on the sacks, was being mixed with local rice and repackaged in new sacks to increase its market price. The investigation also revealed that the blended rice was being scented with perfume to give it a fresh and fragrant smell, a practice reportedly widespread in the market.
The warehouse, owned by Elizabeth Pineda, registered under Rice Milling and Rice Retailing in Golden City, Taal, Bocaue, Bulacan, was identified through the sanitary permit and certification of annual inspection issued by the municipality of Bocaue, which were obtained by the NBI and DA.
According to reports, one manager, two cashiers, and an inventory officer from the warehouse are now in NBI custody.
metrosundaily
