AUTHORITIES foiled an agricultural smuggling attempt involving over P2 million worth of red onions concealed in a shipment of egg noodles at the Mindanao Container Terminal, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced over the weekend.
The 40-foot container, which arrived from China on May 26, was declared to contain only processed food items such as egg noodles, frozen croissant dough, pizza dough and spring rolls.
However, a spot check conducted on June 11 uncovered approximately 25,500 kilograms of red onions hidden among the declared goods.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BUREAU OF CUSTOMS
The inspection was carried out by the BOC-Port of Cagayan de Oro in coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA), following a tip from the DA’s Bureau of Plant Industry.
Get the latest news
delivered to your inbox Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Customs examiners, accompanied by representatives from the Enforcement and Security Service, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, X-ray Inspection Project and the Philippine Chamber of Customs Brokers Inc., uncovered the misdeclared agricultural cargo.
“This is the result of strengthened interagency coordination between the Bureau of Customs and the Department of Agriculture,” said district collector Arthur Sevilla Jr. “We remain committed to safeguarding our borders against illegal shipments that threaten public health and the livelihood of our farmers.”
Advertisement
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who personally inspected the shipment on June 24, said the department had been monitoring similar containers from the same company, which had previously been intercepted in Manila.
“There were containers from this same company seized in Manila, so we alerted all ports,” Tiu Laurel said. “Thanks to the vigilance of the BOC, we intercepted this one in Mindanao. Let this serve as a warning — we will continue to pursue agricultural smugglers and file the appropriate charges.”
The smuggled onions will be tested to determine if they are safe for consumption. If deemed fit, the DA plans to donate them; otherwise, they will be disposed of according to regulations.
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention has been issued under Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, along with other applicable customs laws.
Advertisement
BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to crack down on agricultural smuggling.
“We owe it to our farmers, consumers and the nation to ensure that no smuggled agricultural product reaches our markets,” Rubio said. “Our ongoing collaboration with the DA is key to making that happen.”
