The Bureau of Customs – Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service has seized three containers loaded with some P4.2 million worth of smuggled onions from China at the Manila International Container Port.
In a statement, CIIS-MICP Intelligence Officer Teodoro Sagaral said only 80 bags of garlic out of 2,800 bags were found inside the container by agents upon examination.
“The import permit presented covers the fresh garlic only but it doesn’t account for the declared onions beneath the declared garlic,” he added.
The onions were consigned to Equicent Import and Export Corporation located at U253, 2F Velco Centre Building, R.S. Oca corner Delgado St., Port Area, Manila.
The shipment was intercepted after authorties received an intel report showing that the consignee deliberately covered the onions that were underneath the fresh garlic.
CIIS Director Neil Estrella noted that the importers have no corresponding import permits from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).
BPI, an agency under Department of Agriculture, issues import permits for onions and garlic.
A warrant of seizure and detention for misdeclaration was issued upon the recommendation of Enforcement Group Deputy Commissioner Teddy Raval. (Ferdinand G. Patinio/PNA)
