The Manila International Container Port (MICP) seized six containers found to have undeclared agricultural products with an estimated value of P11.5 million. (Photo from Bureau of Customs)
MANILA, Philippines — An estimated P11.5 million worth of undeclared agricultural products loaded in six container vans were seized at the Manila International Container Port (MICP), the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Thursday.
The BOC said the agricultural products that were consigned to a certain Victory JM Enterprise arrived at the MICP from Hong Kong on November 18.
Customs examiners then inspected the shipment after receiving information from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service and Department of Agriculture (DA) that the shipment contained agricultural products, misdeclared and undeclared items.
“During the inspection, designated witnesses found undeclared agricultural products, unmanifested frozen tofu, chicken paw, boneless beef, Vietnamese suckling pig, beancurd skin, undeclared fresh white onions, undeclared frozen fish tofu, and frozen beef cheek meat, which all require permits from the DA,” the BOC said.
The DA requires the submission of a Sanitary Phytosanitary Import Clearance to ensure food safety and the quality of agricultural products before importation.
The MICP on December 2, 5, and 7 issued separate warrants of seizure and detention for the shipment which violated the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and DA regulations.
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