The Bureau of Customs- Port of Cagayan de Oro seized two containers of smuggled onions concealed in bread and pastry products following a spot-check at Mindanao Container Terminal Port, PHIVIDEC Compound, Tagoloan in Misamis Oriental on December 21.

District Collector Alexandra Lumontad, issued a Pre-Lodgement Control Order (PLCO) against the subject shipment following a joint request from Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS CDO Field Station) led by lawyer Justin Geli and Enforcement and Security Service CDO (ESS CDO) led by SP/Capt. Abdila Maulana Jr.

The shipment, which arrived on December 6, 2021, from China, was declared “Bread and Pastries” and consigned to Asterzenmed Inc. 

A spot-check inspection by a customs examiner, however, showed red onions. BOC officials and representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 10, and Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc. (CCBI) witnessed the inspection.

The two containers weighing 50,000 kilograms have an estimated market value of P20 million.

Lumontad issued a stern warning against unscrupulous individuals attempting to defraud the government of lawful revenues.

“Even during the holiday season, we will not wane our guards against agricultural smuggling, which affects our revenue collection for not only the government coffers but also our local farming industry,” said Lumontad.

Warrants of Seizure and Detention were issued against the shipments for misdeclaration in violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and DA regulations.

The Port of Cagayan de Oro will continue to be vigilant in protecting its borders against the smuggling of agricultural products as part of the priority program of Customs Commissioner Yogi Felimon Ruiz in line with the Eight-point Socioeconomic Agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. #