The Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport authorities confiscated illegally imported agricultural products found inside the luggage of 10 flight attendants from Dubai and Riyadh on January 10, 2023.

The BOC conducted physical examinations of their baggage, following an X-Ray screening, which revealed various agricultural products, such as onions and fruits, without the necessary Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) from the BPI.

Under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, the importation of plant products considered “Regulated Importations,” require prior clearance or permit from the concerned regulatory government agency.

Further investigation is underway against the flight crew for alleged illegal importation, which violates the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, Presidential Decree 1433, and the Plant Quarantine Law.

Upon knowledge of their violation, the flight attendants also exhibited unruly behavior by stomping/stepping on the imported agriculture products.

The airline management informed BOC of their cooperation on this matter and assured they would not condone any violations of their crew, and will investigate and impose necessary sanctions.

The BOC-NAIA remains committed to its revenue collection, trade facilitation, and border protection mandate. #