BOC seizes P150m worth of smuggled agri products

Rey E. Requejo

ASERIES of inspection of 24 warehouses in Metro Manila on Friday resulted in the seizure of P150 million worth of smuggled agricultural products following the intensified campaign of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to curb agricultural smuggling.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido

Rubio said agents of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation ServiceManila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP), the Philippine National Police-Crime Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) implemented the Letters of Authority (LOAs) on 24 warehouses and storage areas believed to house P150 million worth of smuggled agricultural products, such as fresh onions and fresh garlic.

“We will be relentless in the fight against agricultural smuggling. Rest assured that the BOC is steadfast in pa-

JV measure on anti-smuggling trolling our borders and protecting our local farmers against illicit traders of agricultural products,” Rubio said.

The warehouses, majority of which were located in Tondo, Manila, while one each in Malabon City and Binondo, were found with fresh onions, fresh garlic, and other products.

The BOC also coordinated with the respective barangay officials and the PNP before the operation. Warehouse representatives acknowledged the LOAs and allowed the team to inspect the warehouses.

After finding the alleged smuggled products, the team proceeded to temporarily padlock and seal the warehouses and storage areas.

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