P8.4 million smuggled oranges from Thailand intercepted at MICP

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Department of Agriculture (DA) yesterday prevented the entry into the country of P8.422 million worth of oranges believed to be smuggled from Thailand.

BOC and DA officials inspected the 3,200 boxes of oranges seized at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

Personnel of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) confiscated the shipment after receiving “derogatory information” from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).

The oranges were illegally imported as the shipment lacked the required sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance, the BPI said.

Customs officials said unsanitary imported agricultural products pose health risks to consumers.

“Smuggling does not only pose a threat to the country’s security, but also puts our consumers at risk,” the BOC said.

Representatives from the BOC’s CIIS, Enforcement and Security Service, Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency were present during the inspection of the smuggled oranges.

The fruits will be destroyed in accordance with the DA’s Department Order No. 09, to ensure that the goods are not sold in the market.

The records of the subject importation were also referred to the Bureau Action Team Against Smuggling for case buildup and prosecution of those behind the smuggling of the oranges.

“This effort is aligned with the BOC’s commitment to President Marcos’ directive to combat smuggling and protect the safety of the public,” Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said.