BOC seizes P2-M smuggled onions in Manila

The Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Customs confiscated P2 million worth of fresh onions that entered the country illegally. | PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BUREAU OF CUSTOMS

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) confiscated smuggled fresh onions worth P2 million at the Port of Manila on Thursday, the agency said on Sunday.

The shipment from China was weighing 25,000 kilograms.

“Upon verification, it was confirmed that the shipment lacked the required Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance from the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI), leading to the issuance of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against it,” the BOC’s statement read.

The DA-BPI said fresh vegetables and other imported agricultural products must have sanitary and phytosanitary clearances, which ensure that the products comply with health standards to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.

BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio reiterated that strict enforcement of import regulations is essential to protect citizens from unsafe agricultural products.

“By rigorously enforcing import regulations, we not only shield our citizens from unsafe agricultural products but also enhance public trust and ensure the integrity of our nation’s food supply,” Rubio said in a statement.

READ: Gov’t seizes P136M of smuggled carrots, onions, tobacco in Subic port