BOC intercepts P85 million smuggled agricultural products

MANILA, Philippines — Agricultural products estimated at P85 million allegedly smuggled from China were intercepted at the Manila International Container Port (MICP), the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported yesterday.

Customs Deputy Commissioner for intelligence Raniel Ramiro said BOC personnel stopped the entry of five shipments of frozen meat products consigned to Jeroce Consumer Good Trading.

The shipments were declared as hotpot balls and steamed buns, according to Ramiro.

“But the shipping containers actually contained frozen chicken products,” he said.

Ramiro said Customs broker Gilbert Gucilatar Lopez and the consignee would face smuggling charges over the five misdeclared shipments, which arrived at the MICP on June 15.

The BOC impounded the imported products after an examination of the five 40-foot shipping containers.

Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service director Jeoffrey Tacio said a request for the issuance of an alert order or physical examination was issued to the MICP after receiving information about the smuggled goods.

The BOC previously reported similar seizure of shipments from the same consignee.

MICP district collector Romeo Allan Rosales said they would immediately issue a warrant of seizure and detention on the shipments.

Ramiro lauded Customs intelligence agents for stopping the smuggling of poultry products into the country.

The BOC said charges of violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act are being readied against those responsible for the foiled smuggling.