This 3×40 container loaded with fresh red onions was seized in the port of Subic recently. The consignee reportedly failed to secure a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance from the Department of Agriculture. (Photo courtesy of BOC)
SAN ANTONIO, Zambales—At least P9 million worth of smuggled onions were seized inside the Subic Bay Freeport, according to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Sunday, June 20.
The shipments were declared as fresh yellow onions and arrived at the Subic port on May 29, the BOC said.
After inspection, the containers were found to contain fresh red onions.
The BOC said the consignee failed to secure a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance from the Bureau of Plant Industry under the Department of Agriculture.
Maritess Martin, head of BOC Port of Subic, said the shipments’ consignees would be charged with smuggling.
She said they would continue strengthening the agency’s border protection measures to prevent smuggling and customs fraud.