THE Sub-Task Group on Economic Intelligence (STG-EI) composite team, co-chaired by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), confiscated P4.7 million worth of smuggled vegetables inspected in Malabon City on 11 November 2021.
Seven makeshift reefer containers were found inside the warehouse, of which, three of the 40-foot reefer containers contained smuggled carrots, broccoli, and red onions.
According to report, a vegetable reefer van was being loaded with smuggled broccoli for delivery to wet market upon the arrival of the inspection team.
According to the warehouse caretaker, Vicente Cruz, four reefer containers regularly enter the warehouse containing mixed vegetables and were distributed to various markets via delivery vans. The operation has been going on for one year.
The team from the Bureau of Customs-Customs Intelligence and Investigation (BOC-CIIS) sealed all the three reefer containers containing the smuggled vegetables.
The entire warehouse was also sealed and inventory of the smuggled goods was conducted on 12 November 2021.
The inter-agency task force inspection on the warehouse was made possible through a Letter of Authority (LOA) issued by the BOC Commissioner Rey Guerrero upon request of Alternate Chair, DTI Usec. Ruth Castelo based on information gathered by STG-EI.
