The Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the joint operations of the Manila International Container Port-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (MICP-CIIS) and the National Bureau of Investigation-Special Action Unit (NBI-SAU) implemented Letters of Authority (LOA) against warehouses of imported goods in Punturin, Valenzuela City, and Taytay, Rizal on March 11, 2022.

Armed with the LOA and Mission Order (MO), the composite team of MICP-CIIS and NBI-SAU proceeded to inspect the warehouse in Valenzuela City, yielding imported red and yellow onions, mung beans, garlic, and other items with an estimated value of P15,000,000.00.

Meanwhile, imported frozen chicken, beef, pork, sausages, butter, and other foodstuffs estimated to be worth P50,000,000.00 were discovered in an initial inspection in Taytay, Rizal.

The team temporarily placed padlocks and seals to secure the imported products stored inside while waiting for the proof of payment of duties and taxes and other pertinent documents.

Further inventory of the imported goods shall be conducted by a Customs Examiner, to be witnessed by officers from the CIIS and Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) of the BOC and representatives from the warehouse.

Failure of the owners of the warehouses to produce evidence of payment and pertinent importation documents shall cause the seizure and forfeiture of the imported goods under Section 224 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).