P36M smuggled onions declared as ‘churros’ seized in Cagayan de Oro

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Cagayan de Oro on Friday reported the seizure of 12 containers of smuggled onions worth PHP36 million.

In a statement, Port District Collector Elvira Cruz said the shipments which came from China were declared as “spring roll patti” and “plain churros” were seized at the Mindanao International Container Terminal Port in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental on Thursday.

The consignees were identified as Frankie Trading Enterprises and Primex Export and Import Producer.

Cruz issued pre-lodgement control orders (PLCOs) against the shipments upon receipt of derogatory information for possible misdeclaration of agricultural products.

After an examination, port officials found that the shipments contained red and white onions.

Warrants of seizure and detention will be issued against the shipments for violation of Section 1400 (Misdeclaration of Goods) and Section 117 (Regulated Importation) of Republic Act (RA) 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and RA 10845 or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act.