Agriculture secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Monday led an inspection of shipments at the Manila South Harbor and laid bare long suspected fish smuggling operations. The inspection revealed that 19 container vans, initially declared as processed plant-based commodities like taro sticks and sweet potato balls, were actually loaded with frozen mackerel and galunggong or scad. The Bureau of Customs (BOC), in coordination with the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), assessed the value of the seized shipments at approximately P202 million.
The two 40-foot containers spot-checked on Monday arrived on 21 January and were consigned to Straradava Household Products Co. Ltd. The remaining 17 containers, consigned to Fendee Consumer Goods Trading, are awaiting further inspection. BPI had previously alerted the BOC about the shipments, which were declared as containing 550 metric tons of frozen food products, potentially bypassing necessary tariffs and regulations.
The BOC issued an alert order, leading to the detention of the containers and eventual seizure of the goods, with investigations continuing under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. This crackdown highlights the impact on revenue collection, as the misclassification and smuggling of goods deprive the government of rightful duties and taxes.
In a broader context, DA chief Laurel emphasized the importance of the inter-agency cooperation between the DA and FDA to combat smuggling and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. This is in keeping with the DA approval for the importation of 25,000 metric tons of seafood starting in March to stabilize the local food supply.
Laurel also warned traders involved in such illegal activities, stressing that violations could lead to severe penalties under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act. The operation is expected to bolster the country’s revenue collection and curb the flow of illicit goods.
