BOC seizes P24-M smuggled products

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized P24 million worth of smuggled agricultural products from China during an operation at the Manila International Container Port yesterday.

The BOC said five shipping containers ­­­­­– declared to hold apples, oranges and pears – also held carrots, onions and potatoes.

Four containers, which arrived on separate dates last month, were consigned to Ingredient Management Asia Inc. and one to Mcrey International Trading.

The BOC said the seized carrots have an estimated market value of P15 million, onions at P4 million and potatoes at P5 million. The produce not covered by phytosanitary permits from the Bureau of Plant Quarantine will be destroyed, the agency said.

The consignees face charges of violating the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act; Food, Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act. ­