BOC endorses P90-M agri-smuggling complaints

The Bureau of Customs has endorsed six draft criminal complaints against three consignees to the Department of Finance for review and approval.

The complaints stem from multiple cases involving the alleged unlawful importation of agricultural products in violation of Section 7 of Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

The cases arose from BOC seizure operations in June 2025 targeting the unlawful importation of agricultural goods, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen border security and curb agricultural smuggling.

Customs authorities conducted several seizures involving shipments from different consignees.

Shipments of white onions and carrots that arrived on 13 and 21 June 2025 were estimated to be worth P27,065,380.60. A separate shipment of frozen mackerel that arrived on 21 June 2025 was valued at P43,823,940.60. Another shipment consisting of fresh carrots and frozen mackerel that arrived on 13 June 2025 was estimated at P19,391,377.20.

In total, the agricultural products covered by the complaints amount to more than P90 million in value, based on the Department of Agriculture’s daily price index.

In accordance with Republic Act No. 12022, the BOC transmitted the draft criminal complaints to the DOF for the required review and approval prior to filing the cases with the Department of Justice.

The bureau also initiated administrative proceedings against concerned personnel, in line with civil service laws and regulations, to determine any administrative liability related to the incidents.