P2-M smuggled onions seized in Misamis Oriental

Inquirer file photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) will file charges against the firm that illegally imported P2 million worth of red onions that were seized at the Mindanao International Container Terminal in Misamis Oriental.

In a statement on Tuesday, the DA said the consignee of the shipment from China was Lantix Consumer Goods Trading, which is based in Binondo, Manila.

The firm had declared the contents of the cargo as various frozen goods such as egg noodles, croissant dough, pizza dough, buns, and spring rolls.

A check made by the Bureau of Plant Industry and the Bureau of Customs on June 11, however, turned up 25 metric tons of fresh red onions, which the DA has not authorized for importation. —Jordeene B. Lagare