The Manila International Container Port (MICP) seized six containers found to have undeclared agricultural products with an estimated value of P11.5 million.
On November 18, 6×40’ shipments consigned to Victory JM Enterprise OPC arrived at the MICP from Hong Kong, China.
The Office of the District Collector issued Pre-Lodgement Control Orders and Alert Orders following derogatory information from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service and Department of Agriculture (DA) that the shipments contained agricultural products, misdeclared and undeclared items.
Subsequently, customs examiners conducted physical examinations with representatives from the Enforcement and Security Service, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force, and Inspector from DA.
During the inspection, designated witnesses found undeclared agricultural products, unmanifested frozen tofu, chicken paw, boneless beef, Vietnamese suckling pig, beancurd skin, undeclared fresh white onions, undeclared frozen fish tofu, and frozen beef cheek meat, which all require permits from the DA.
Section 1 under Sub-paragraph 39 of DA-Administrative Order No. 09 Series of 2010 requires the submission of Sanitary Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPS-IC) to ensure food safety and the quality of agricultural products before importation.
On December 2, 5, and 7, the MICP issued Warrants of Seizure and Detention against the shipments for violating Sections 117 and 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and DA regulations.
As part of the priority program of Commissioner Yogi Ruiz and aligned with the Eight-point Socioeconomic Agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., the MICP remains steadfast in its mandate to protect our borders from smuggled products. (VICTOR BALDEMOR RUIZ)
