P5-M 'hot' produce seized

Operatives of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) confiscated yesterday P5 million worth of smuggled agricultural products from a warehouse in Divisoria, Manila.

The BOC-Enforcement and Security Service and Customs Police Division under Colonel Jose Yuchongco found garlic, onion and ginger at the warehouse, reportedly owned by Michael Sy, in the Xing Xing Tan building.

Agricultural produce are regulated importations and importers are required to secure import and pythosanitary permits from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and its line agencies aside from the filing of import entries. Those that fail to present the necessary clearances are barred from releasing the shipments. – Evelyn Macairan