A team composed of personnel from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) and Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) of the Bureau of Customs-Manila International Container Port (BOC-MICP), Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry, Department of Trade and Industry, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and the Economic Intelligence Sub Task Group on Food Security busted imported carrots and ginger openly for sale in C.M. Recto Ave., Divisoria, and Tondo, Manila on April 19, 2022.

The joint operation stemmed from derogatory information received by the Intelligence Group of the BOC that smuggled imported agricultural products are being sold and stored in the said areas. The team immediately inspected stalls along the roads and sidewalks for said smuggled agricultural products.

Found were 100 kilos of imported carrots from China that were ready for delivery and 90 kilos of imported ginger. Said goods were confiscated and hauled to BOC premises.

On even date, the joint enforcement team also inspected stores in Balintawak Public Market in Quezon City to verify information that there are smuggled imported agricultural products that are being openly sold. No smuggled agricultural products were found during the inspection.

Warrant of Seizure and Detention shall be issued against the seized goods for a violation of Section 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).