The Bureau of Customs (BOC) through the Intelligence Group and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) seized 6 million worth of smuggled onions declared as “frozen malt” and “wanton skin” at the Port of Cagayan De Oro (CDO) on October 29, 2021.

The shipment consisting of three 40-footer containers consigned to Hao International Trading arrived in Mindanao Container Terminal in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental from China on October 15. The Intelligence group received derogatory information that the shipment contains undeclared items. It was relayed to the CIIS Field Station of CDO which prompted the issuance of an alert order yielding a positive result.

Physical examination of the shipment witnessed by representatives of CIIS, Enforcement and Security Service, Chamber of Customs Brokers, Incorporated, and Bureau of Plant industry revealed undeclared red onions.

The shipment is subject to seizure and forfeiture proceedings for violation of Section 1400 of RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, concerning Section 3 of RA 10845 or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016.