The Bureau of Customs-Port of Cagayan de Oro successfully seized anew five containers of smuggled red onions in a spot-check inspection on November 18, 2021, at MICTSI container yard.

The shipment from China consigned to EMV Consumer Goods Trading arrived on November 13, 2021, at Mindanao Container Terminal Sub-Port in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, and was declared as “Mantou” also known as Chinese Steamed Bun.

After receiving a derogatory information from the Intelligence Group that the shipment may contain smuggled goods, Oliver Valiente, Chief, CIIS CDO Field Station requested District Collector Atty. Elvira Cruz to conduct a spot-check inspection against the said shipment.

The physical examination was conducted by Rodil Flancia, Customs Examiner witnessed by CIIS, ESS, XIP, CCBI Representatives together with the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-10 which revealed the presence of smuggled goods inside the containers estimated to be worth 14 million pesos.

CIIS CDO already requested for the grounding of the 19 remaining containers consigned to the same consignee pending a physical examination.

District Collector Cruz said the Cagayan de Oro Port will remain vigilant against smuggled goods as holiday revelry nears and smuggled goods may flood the market that will affect the local industry.

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention will be issued against the shipment while the consignee may face charges for violation of the provisions of RA 10863 or Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.