Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 14) — Authorities have seized a total of ₱202.5 million worth of smuggled agricultural and fishery products during separate operations at Manila International Container Port in January, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced Tuesday.
The DA said the smuggled goods originated from Hong Kong and China.\r
Nine of the 24 vans apprehended belonged to Seaster Consumer Goods, which were found to contain fresh red and white onions with a total estimated market value of ₱77.8 million, the agency noted.
READ: ₱78.9-M worth of smuggled agri goods in Manila seized – DA
According to the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016, large-scale agricultural smuggling occurs when at least ₱10 million worth of rice or at least ₱1 million worth of sugar, corn, pork, poultry, garlic, onion, carrots, fish, and cruciferous vegetables (raw, processed, or preserved) are illegally brought into the country.
On Jan. 23, authorities also seized three containers carrying smuggled fresh yellow onions, red onions, potatoes, and roasted sweet potatoes with an estimated market value of ₱24.4 million.\r
It was followed by the confiscation of three containers loaded with smuggled red onions, imitation crab stick, and frozen boneless beef, with a total estimated market value of ₱31 million.\r
The latest operation reported by the DA was on Jan. 27. It led to the discovery of two container vans of smuggled potatoes and fresh yellow onions with an estimated value of ₱23.6 million.
The DA said the operations were in partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Plant Industry, Bureau of Animal Industry, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
