The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted P8.422 million worth of smuggled agricultural products at the Manila International Container Port.

A report from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) revealed that the seized shipment contained 3,200 cartons of fresh oranges from Thailand. The cargo lacked the necessary sanitary clearance from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), a requirement for imported agricultural goods.

CIIS Director Verne Enciso credited the interception to information shared by the BPI, which led to swift action by customs authorities.

“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.

CIIS-MICP chief Alvin Enciso emphasized that the prompt enforcement of import regulations is critical to protecting public health.

“Smuggling does not only pose a threat to the country’s security but more so, it puts our consumers at risk and even impacts the local economy," he said. "In the BoC, we are not only committed to protecting and securing our borders but we are also dedicated to ensuring that our markets remain free from harmful imported products that can create an avalanche of health and environmental problems."