The Bureau of Customs (BOC) prevented the entry and eventual release of misdeclared agricultural products in the Port of Subic.

Upon receipt of reliable derogatory information, the Port of Subic issued eight (8) Pre-Lodgment Control Orders and two (2) Alert Orders against a total of fifteen (15) 40-footer container van shipments said to contain frozen lobster balls and frozen Surimi crab. However, during the conduct of 100% physical examination the said alerted shipments were instead found to contain assorted fresh vegetables (potatoes, carrots, broccoli).

The seized misdeclared agricultural products will be subjected to seizure and forfeiture proceedings for violation of Section 1113 in relation to Section 117 of the CMTA and DA A.O. No. 09 Series of 2010, and DA A.O. No. 18 Series of 2000. Similarly, the records of the subject importation shall be referred to the Bureau Action Teams Against Smuggling for corresponding case build up and eventual prosecution of personalities responsible for the foiled smuggling attempt.

Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio commended the diligence of the men and women of the Port of Subic in safeguarding the country’s border against the entry of potentially hazardous agricultural products. He stressed that had not for the timely discovery of the foiled smuggling attempt, several containers of potentially hazardous agricultural products would have entered the country to the detriment not only of the health and safety of the consuming public but similarly the local agricultural industry.

The BOC-Port of Subic under Acting District Collector Ciriaco Ugay remains unwavering in its commitment of strictly implementing customs and allied laws, rules and regulations, and facilitate the release of only lawfully imported goods. According to Collector Ugay, the interception underscores the Port’s dedication in fortifying the country’s borders and preventing illegal activities that jeopardize our nation’s safety and economic stability.”