Demonstrating the reinforced partnership between the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), the BOC-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and DA Officers conducted joint inspections which resulted to the seizure of shipments of agricultural products without the required Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

In close coordination with the DA’s Intelligence and Enforcement Service (IES), a shipment brought in by a Japanese national, was intercepted on 08 August 2024, which included 527.10 kilograms of fresh beef, 26.5 kilograms of fresh chicken, 60 pieces of eggs, 57.1 kilograms of various fruits and vegetables, and 57.10 kilograms of fishery products. The following day, 09 August 2024, another shipment from a Japanese passenger was seized, consisting of 140.2 kilograms of meat and meat products, 10 pieces of eggs, 165 kilograms of fruits, plants, and vegetables, and 235.5 kilograms of assorted fishery products.

All seized products have been turned over to the BAI, BPI, and BFAR, the relevant authorities under DA, for proper disposal, ensuring that no potential health risks or harm to the food industry arise from their unauthorized entry.

BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio emphasized the importance of this strengthened collaboration, stating: “These operations are the direct result of the enhanced partnership between the Bureau and the DA, ensuring that our borders remain protected from the entry of unauthorized goods which may pose health hazards not only the consuming public but our local industries.”

District Collector Yasmin O. Mapa, likewise issues a warning to fresh beef and meat importers to secure the necessary permits. “We will continue to bolster the BOC’s border protection efforts against smuggling and other illicit activities.”