BOC: P24.28 billion worth of smuggled products seized as of early January

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Sunday it carried out 709 seizures, confiscating smuggled goods with an estimated value of P24.28 billion as of early January.

“Ito po ‘yung mga smuggled goods from illegal drugs, hanggang sa fuel oil… kasama po ‘yung agricultural products and counterfeit goods,” said BOC spokesperson Arnaldo dela Torre Jr. on Super Radyo dzBB.

Of the amount, P12 billion in illegal drugs were seized, P7.69 billion in counterfeit goods, and P1.87 in agricultural products.

Dela Torre added that most of the confiscated agricultural products came from China.

“Out of 709 seizures, 137 ang agricultural product na nasabat natin… karamihan ng mga nakadeklara na papeles ay frozen food. Itong huling nahuli natin, idineklarang fish ball pero in fact, onions ang nasa loob,” said the BOC spokesperson.

Earlier this year, the BOC seized P17 million worth of smuggled yellow onions found inside three containers declared to be clothing and home products from China.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who sits as the concurrent Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary, earlier warned that the government will go after individuals involved in agricultural smuggling.

DA dialogue

Meanwhile, Dela Torre said that the DA held a series of meetings and dialogues with the BOC to deepen and strengthen the effort against the illicit trade of agricultural products.

“Pagdating sa validation at clarification sa mga permit issued by the DA, at sa BOC, ‘yung listahan ng mga consignee, sa stage pa lang ng accreditation, may koordinasyon na tayong ibinibigay sa DA,” he said.

“Pinalakas rin natin ang intelligence and enforcement capabilities natin… pagdating sa pagpo-profile to support ‘yung risk management natin, talaga naman pong mas maayos na nai-implement natin ngayon,” he added.

According to Dela Torre, the Agriculture Department had provided focal persons to rapidly validate issued permits.

“Bukod sa online verification, mayroon din tayong personal na pagtawag… ‘yung koordinasyon ng bawat ahensya ay nailugar natin para mas effective po na makahuli tayo,” the BOC official said.

Moreover, Dela Torre said they immediately issue a warrant of seizure and detention for agricultural products without permits.

“Sina-subpoena natin ‘yung mga consignee at broker ng mga party na involved,” he furthered. — DVM, GMA Integrated News

BOC: P24.28 billion worth of smuggled products seized as of early January
Source: Filipino Viral News PH