The BOC and NBI seized an estimated P25 million worth of smuggled and illegal food products in a warehouse in Angeles City. (Photo courtesy of Bureau of Customs)
MANILA, Philippines — Smuggled food products worth an estimated P25 million were seized by operatives of the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) Intelligence and Investigation Services, National Bureau of Investigation-Special Action Unit and Philippine Coast Guard in a warehouse in Pampanga on Thursday.
The items were seized in a warehouse in Barangay Anunas in Angeles City following a letter of authority and mission order issued by Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero.
Among the items found inside the warehouse were soy sauce, oil, and frozen food products such as Peking duck, fish balls, squid balls, vegetables, and pork.
The BOC said Peking ducks are banned in the country due to the threat of bird flu.
Photo courtesy of Bureau of Customs
“Initial inventory of the goods resulted in 1,149 boxes, each with at least 10 heads of Peking ducks valued at P23 million while the other frozen goods worth P2 million,” BOC said in a statement released Friday.
The products are believed to have been smuggled because of the ban on importing poultry products from a number of countries except the United States, Canada, and Australia.
“These imported poultry products should pass stringent requirements and tests by the Customs and other regulatory government agencies,” the bureau said.
Photo courtesy of Bureau of Customs
The BOC said it will file appropriate charges against those responsible for bringing in the smuggled goods into the country.
As the nation gears to embrace the new normal in relation to day-to-day activities, the BOC will remain committed to curb illegal imports and exports of prohibited and counterfeit shipments,” the bureau said. (with a report from Tonette Orejas)