CIDG intercepts P11-M ‘hot meat’ at Manila port

Agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have seized some P11.2 million worth of smuggled frozen pork and chicken loaded in five 40-footer container vans near the exit gates of a Manila port.

CIDG chief Director Jesus Verzosa said the 40-footer refrigerated cargoes was consigned to an importer of mackerel products.

Verzosa said the raid was conducted following a tip from a CIDG informant on the arrival of smuggled meat from China.

"In the absence of exact time and date of the smuggling activities, my men had to stake out the port starting last Thursday. After just two days, five vans were spotted and intercepted," he said.

Last Aug. 25, CIDG’s Anti-Smuggling Task Group, led by Senior Superintendent Don Montenegro, flagged down a 40-footer container van (TRLU 4578083), which was driven by Alvin Valderama with helper Jun Gregorio, both from Bulacan.

The goods, which was found to be undervalued, was consigned to a certain Helen Tan and its broker was allegedly Elmer Alvis.

After the interception of the first container van, Montenegro’s group continued with the stakeout. The following day, they intercepted four other 40-footer vans.

Verzosa and other CIDG officials with Customs examiners opened the vans and found the frozen meat.

The CIDG chief said charges of violation of the Tariff and Customs Code would be filed against the importers and brokers of the shipments.

He said the meat would be examined and could be donated to charitable institutions if found to be in good condition and safe for human consumption.

Authorities said the government has been losing billions of pesos in revenue due to smuggling activities.

Instead of paying taxes to the Customs, smugglers manage to bring imported goods into the country in connivance with unscrupulous employees at the Bureau of Customs.