The Bureau of Customs Port of Cagayan de Oro has foiled another agricultural smuggling attempt in its continuous anti-smuggling operations on July 22, 2022 at Mindanao Container Terminal Port, PHIVIDEC Compound, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

On July 20, 2022, acting on an intelligence report, District Collector Atty. Elvira Cruz issued Pre-Lodgement Control Orders (PLCOs) against shipments consisting of seven (7) containers suspected to contain smuggled agricultural products.

The physical examinations conducted by the assigned Customs Examiners were witnessed by Elizabeth Delas Llagas, Deputy Collector for Operations; Atty. Roswald Joseph Pague, Deputy Collector for Administration; Oliver Valiente, Chief, CIIS; Pangandaman Casan, Chief Assessment, MCT; Melchor Rabo, Asst. Chief of Assessment, MCT; SA1 Jay Jernalim, ESS-CDO together with Manuel Barradas, Bureau of Plant Industry, Agent Michael Balbastro, PDEA and James Kuan, CCBI.

The three (3) containers consigned to Frankie Trading Enterprises were declared as “Yung Butter/Dairy Spreads” while the four (4) containers consigned to Primex Export and Import Producer were declared as “Spring Roll Patti”. The examination results yielded red and white onions which were estimated to worth P 21,000,000.00.

Warrants of Seizure and Detention (WSDs) will be issued against the shipments for violation of Section 117 and Section 1400 of RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

Atty. Elvira Cruz commends the personnel of the Port of Cagayan de Oro for its vigilance in protecting the borders of Northern Mindanao from the entry of illicit goods as evident in its successful anti-smuggling operations.

The BOC Port of Cagayan de Oro also vowed to continue its coordination with other government agencies to curb smuggling.