Customs seizes ‘hot’ onions

The Bureau of Customs  has intercepted some P12-million worth of smuggled onions at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

The onions, which came from China in six 40-footer container vans, were misdeclared as fresh apples, said Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña, who inspected the shipment on Thursday.

The shipment arrived at the port on Aug. 14 and was consigned to ASD Total Packages Enterprises Inc.

The port’s Xray Inspection Project recommended the issuance of an alert order after receiving a tip on the smuggled shipment, Lapeña said.

Inspectors found in each container two layers of big apple cartons filled with onions.

Criminal charges

Lapeña said the owner of ASD Total Packages Enterprises Inc. and the customs broker, Michael Miranda Sumile, who processed the shipment, face criminal charges for violating Section 1400, or the misdeclaration, misclassification, undervaluation in goods declaration, in relation to Section 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

They also face charges for violating Republic Act No. 10845, or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016.

“I have already ordered the revocation of the accreditation of the consignee and the customs broker involved,” Lapeña said.

MICP district collector Balmyrson Valdez issued the corresponding warrant of seizure and detention against the shipment.—TINA G. SANTOS