The Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the joint efforts of the Manila International Container Port-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (MICP-CIIS), Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry, Department of Trade and Industry, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, National Intelligence and Coordinating Agency, and the Economic Intelligence Sub Task Group on Food Security, busts smuggled agricultural products in an enforcement operation in C.M. Recto Ave., Divisoria, and Tondo, Manila on April 5, 2022.

The operation stemmed from intelligence information received by the MICP CIIS Field Station that there are smuggled imported agricultural products that are being sold in the said areas.

Armed with a Mission Order signed by the Commissioner, the implementing team immediately proceeded with the inspection of stalls along the roads and sidewalks and found several boxes of imported carrots and broccoli openly displayed and for sale. Vendors nearby denied ownership of the said vegetables.

The team immediately hauled the boxes of carrots and broccoli and transferred the goods to the BOC premises. Said goods are estimated to be worth P300,000.00.

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