The Bureau of Customs-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) has foiled the entry of P8.42 million worth of smuggled agricultural products through the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
The shipment, consisting of 3,200 cartons of fresh oranges, came from Thailand and lacked the required import sanitary clearance from the Bureau of Plant Industry.
CIIS Director Verne Enciso said information the CIIS received from BPI led to the seizure of the shipment.
“This interception highlights the coordination and collaboration among and between key government agencies, and even the various units within the BOC. The information we received was immediately verified by our officers and with the help of agriculture experts, we were able to pin down the cargo,” Enciso said.
The attempt to smuggle fresh oranges from Thailand was made possible by the information shared by the BPI that the shipment lacked the mandatory Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance.
CIIS-MICP chief Alvin Enciso said his team quickly implemented the order as unsanitary imported agricultural products pose a health risk to consumers.
“Smuggling does not only pose a threat to the country’s security but puts our consumers at risk and even impacts the local economy. In the BOC, we are not only committed to protecting and securing our borders but also dedicated to ensuring that our markets remain free from harmful imported products that can create an avalanche of health and environmental problems,” he said.
