The Bureau of Customs-Port of Subic (BOC-POS) seized 44 containers of misdeclared agricultural products that originated from China on December 5, 9, and 10.

The Port issued 17 Alert Orders and Pre-lodgment Orders against the shipments belonging to Asterzenmed Inc. and Victory JM Enterprise OPC.

Of the 44 containers, 24 were consigned to Asterzenmed Inc., while 20 were consigned to Victory JM. Based on the initial report, a complete examination of five containers of STC Frozen Shabu-Shabu Balls consigned to Asterzenmed Inc. yielded frozen items like shabu-shabu balls, whole mackerel, boneless buffalo meat, boneless beef (anglo).

On the other hand, four containers declared as bread (pastries) consigned to Victory JM contained mostly Fresh Red Onions and some Mantou, and soft French bread with a collective estimated value of P81,710, 550.

Complete examination of the remaining 35 containers is ongoing detailed report to be used for issuing a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the shipments in violation of customs laws, rules, and regulations.

The consignees may be charged for possible violations of the Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 18 series of 2000 and Department of Agriculture Department Circular No. 4 series of 2016 in relation to Section 1113(f) of the Republic Act No. 10863 (CMTA).

They also face violations of Department of Health – FDA Administrative Order No. 2020-0017, Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 9 series of 2010, and section 117 in relation to Section 1113(f) of the CMTA.

The BOC – Port of Subic, under the leadership of District Collector Maritess T. Martin and through the guidance of Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz, remains committed to President Ferdinance Marcos, Jr’s order of curbing smuggling and protecting the borders, especially during the holiday season. #