Bureau of Customs seizes P25-million smuggled poultry products

MANILA, Philippines - Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales yesterday ordered the blacklisting of the forwarding firm that allegedly facilitated the smuggling of four 40-footer reefer container vans that carried P25 million worth of Peking duck and chicken cuts from Hong Kong and China.

The Bureau of Customs said this is the BOC’s biggest haul of illegally shipped Peking duck. The vans also contained pigeon parts and pork loin, though they were declared to be food ingredients.

Morales said Reach World Logistics is reportedly responsible for smuggling the poultry products, which arrived last Feb. 11 and Jan. 22.

Reach World also reportedly failed to present pertinent import documents from the Bureau of Animal Industry.

Morales said they will file criminal charges against Reach World and the importer, who remains unidentified.

Intelligence and Enforcement (IEG) acting director Jairus Paguntalan reportedly received a tip about the shipment.

Authorities became suspicious after noticing discrepancies in the paperwork and the need for reefer container vans, when food ingredients do not need refrigeration.

During yesterday’s inspection, they discovered that the boxes of Peking duck and other poultry products were concealed at the back of the container.

Morales said they have yet to discuss the proper method of destroying the poultry products, which may carry the avian flu virus. – With Iris Gonzales