DAVAO CITY, Philippines – At least two 20-foot container vans filled with smuggled onions, garlic and potatoes were seized by Bureau of Customs Operatives during a raid at a warehouse in Agdao district here Tuesday.

Mark Paras, head of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, said they raided the warehouse after they received a tip that it was being used to store smuggled vegetables and spices.

Upon verification with the Bureau of Plant and Industry, Paras said the BOC confirmed that the owner of the warehouse had no importation permits.

At least eight workers were caught while repacking the smuggled products, Paras said.

“The BOC will subpoena some persons connected with the illegal trade for investigation,” he said without providing any identity.

Paras said they suspected that the seized goods would be sold to the local markets.

Pedro Sumaoy, BPI Southern Mindanao inventory officer, said the seized products were to be buried after investigation.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) District Office No. 113 based here padlocked at least 46 branches of the Manolette Bakeshop in Southern Mindanao for under declaration of income.

Abilia Bentulan, assistant revenue officer, said eight of the bakeshop’s branches are in the city.

“The BIR will not hesitate to close establishments found violating BIR regulations such as under declaration of income by 30 percent or more,” Bentulan said.

Since the intensified campaign against unscrupulous businessmen, Bentulan said the BIR had already padlocked 63 business establishments.

Many had since reopened after paying penalties.