P4.1-M smuggled white onions seized in Pampanga

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday inspected two container vans carrying an estimated 34 metric tons of smuggled white onions from China, valued at P4.1 million.

One container held 1,800 red mesh bags of white onions, while the other contained 1,600 bags, each weighing nine kilograms, bringing the total to approximately 34,200 kilograms. The shipment arrived at the Port of Subic on 20 April aboard the SITC Hochiminh.

The DA said the shipment was misdeclared as processed chicken karaage strips and was consigned to Manila-based Leksei B. Specialized Goods Trading.

It was seized on 26 April by the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in a warehouse in Barangay Laug, Mexico, Pampanga.

The DA also stated that neither the importer nor the warehouse was accredited.

Tests conducted by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) revealed that the smuggled vegetables tested positive for salmonella and heavy metals, which could cause poisoning, cancer, and damage to major organs. Salmonella bacteria can also lead to food poisoning and various infections.

BPI Director Glenn Panganiban said the agency will continue to collaborate with law enforcement to ensure public health and food safety.