BOC seizes P3-M smuggled onions

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) yesterday seized P3 million worth of smuggled onions in Navotas City.

BOC Commissioner Rufino Biazon said 5,000 bags of red and white onions were confiscated in a warehouse along North Bay Boulevard by agents of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service and Intelligence Division.

Biazon said the seizure was made on the strength of a Letter of Authority he issued last March 18 following surveillance operations at the Marcelo cold storage.

Customs officers confiscated the goods after the operators of the warehouse failed to present import documents or proof of payment of taxes.

“We had to seize the illegally imported onions to protect the interest of the local onion farmers,” Biazon said.

The BOC chief said they are closely monitoring the importation of agricultural products.