AUTHORITIES confiscated around P136 million worth of carrots, yellow onions, and tobacco products at the Port of Subic on Wednesday, September 11, which were illegally smuggled into the country.
The Department of Agriculture (BOC) and Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized five container vans containing fresh carrots and yellow onions worth P21 million, as well as two additional container vans containing cigarettes valued at P115 million.
The five containers of fresh carrots and yellow onions were imported from China by Betron Consumer Goods Trading, originally declared as frozen fish egg balls.
On the other hand, the two containers of tobacco products originated from Taiwan and were imported by Subic All N1 Corp., which had tissues in front of the van but were found to also contain cigarettes.
“These are clearly smuggled goods that deprive our government of tariff revenue, endanger public health, and harm the livelihood of our vegetable farmers,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
“As instructed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., we will vigorously pursue these smugglers,” he added.
According to Bureau of Plant Industry director Gerald Glenn Panganiban, the confiscated vegetables will be examined first to determine if they are safe for human consumption. Imported agricultural products that fail the inspections will be destroyed and not distributed for consumption.
Fresh vegetables and other agricultural products imported into the country are required to obtain sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances to protect the health of people, plants, and animals. This measure also aims to prevent the entry of diseases that may be carried by these products.
