In a significant stride against the smuggling of agricultural goods, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), conducted a successful anti-smuggling operation which resulted in the uncovering illegally imported agricultural products valued at an estimated PhP100 million.

Acting on derogatory information, the BOC, along with the DA and the PCG, launched a joint inspection operation targeting an unregistered cold-storage warehouse in Kawit, Cavite. The operation was conducted under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Juvymax R. Uy of the Intelligence Group, Deputy Commissioner Teddy Sandy S. Raval of the Enforcement Group, and Director Verne Y. Enciso of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS).

This initiative was supported by a mission order and a letter of authority to inspect three warehouses suspected of storing illegally imported agricultural products without payment of correct duties and taxes. During the operation, the team discovered approximately five container loads of illegally imported frozen agricultural goods stored in the unregistered facility. The swift action taken by the BOC and its partner agencies has thwarted a significant attempt to flood the market with unauthorized imported goods, potentially harming the local agriculture sector.

To ensure the security and integrity of the subject agricultural goods, BOC officials placed security seals on the warehouse doors. A duty roster has been established to deploy agents on-site, preventing any unauthorized access or tampering with the stored products.

BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio emphasized the agency’s commitment in curbing smuggling activities, particularly those affecting the agricultural sector. “This operation demonstrates our steadfast resolve to protect our local farmers and consumers from the adverse impacts of smuggling. We will continue to intensify our efforts to combat this illegal activity,” said Commissioner Rubio.