Charges filed vs owners of smuggled agri-fishery products from China, Vietnam

The Department of Agriculture Inspectorate and Enforcement Office on Friday said charges have been filed against the owners of P2,310,000 worth of smuggled frozen agri-fishery products from China and Vietnam.

DA-IE head Assistant Secretary James A. Layug said violations of Republic Act 10611 or the Food Safety Act of 2013 along with FAO 195 Series of 1999 ("Establishing Rules and Regulations Governing Importation of Fresh/Chilled/Frozen and Fishery Aquatic Products") were slapped against the owners of Belen & Sons Inc.

The charges stemmed from a joint anti-smuggling operation and food safety inspection in Navotas City, Cavite last 12 October 2023 conducted by the DA-IE, in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Navotas Business Permit and Licensing Office, Philippine Fisheries Development Authority and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The target was a plugged-in container van detected to have been storing smuggled imported frozen agri-fishery products owned by Belen & Sons Inc. The operation yielded 25 boxes of bonito, 799 boxes of round scad and 1 box of mackerel totaling to 8,250 kilos, estimated to be worth at least P2,310,000. The contraband came from China and Vietnam.

The confiscated commodities were brought on hold prior to confiscation and rendering by the BFAR. The Navotas BPLO issued a Notice of Violation and sealed the stall of Belen and Sons Inc. for not having a business permit.

Layug encouraged the public to continue to report suspicious activities and coordinate with the Department to help achieve food security in the country.