A joint operation by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) resulted in the seizure of millions of pesos in smuggled agricultural products in Dagat-dagatan, Navotas City.
Customs commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio and Agriculture (secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. spearheaded a seizure operation, acting on intelligence information received from a confidential informant.
Combined agents of the BOC Port of Manila-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (POM-CIIS), led by its team leader Joel Pinawin and DA, launched a surveillance operation targeting a compound suspected of harboring smuggled agricultural products.
With the assistance of the Northern Police District - Navotas Police Station headed by Police Lieutenant Colonel Randolf Asuncion and local barangay officials, the team conducted an inspection and discovered two cold storage units containing a variety of agricultural goods.
Authorities found 63 Metric Tons of imported onions, carrots, tomatoes, pickled radishes, and egg noodles inside the storage units. These goods were reportedly stored without proper payment of duties and taxes owed to the government.
Upon verification of the intelligence information, BOC agents promptly sealed the warehouse doors to secure the subject agricultural products. The operation also involved support from the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) staff, SWAT teams, and barangay representatives, ensuring comprehensive enforcement and coordination on the ground.
The Local Government Unit of Navotas, led by Mayor John Rey Tiangco, and Philippine Coast Guard Task Force Aduana (PCG-TFA), under the command of CG Captain Alvin Dagalea, also extended additional assistance to BOC and DA.
This joint operation underscores the BOC, DA, and other law enforcement agencies' commitment to upholding trade regulations and safeguarding the integrity of the agricultural sector against illicit activities.
"This successful operation is a testament to our relentless effort to crack down on the smuggling of agricultural products," BOC Commissioner Rubio said. "We are resolute in our mission to protect our local farmers and industries from unfair competition and ensure that those who violate our laws are held accountable. This is just one of many steps we are taking to intensify our crackdown on smuggling activities," he added.
Nevertheless, in observance of the due process requirements pursuant to Section 224 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), the warehouse owner/operator has fifteen (15) days from the service of the Letter of Authority to refute the findings and submit documents showing that the subject agricultural products were legitimately imported and paid the correct duties and taxes due thereon.
During the media viewing, Commissioner Rubio further stressed that: "Following the discovery, I directed my Intelligence Group-CIIS to initiate a thorough investigation to identify the personalities involved in the foiled smuggling of agricultural products, including the importer of record, the processing licensed customs broker, the warehouse owner and lessee, and their cohorts. Criminal charges for Unlawful Importation will be promptly and actively pursued against those identified responsible as warranted by the evidence gathered during the investigation."
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