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The Bureau of Customs seized P35.4 million worth of imported onions and garlic from a cold storage facility in Nueva Ecija
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Seized goods: 6,088 bags of small yellow onions (Holland), 1,080 bags of big yellow onions (China), 3,780 bags of big red onions (China), and 12,350 bags of garlic (China)
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A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued May 21, 2026, for violation of Section 224 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act
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National Bureau of Investigation is investigating the importer for possible violations of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act
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BOC is also running a parallel internal investigation to determine if any customs personnel were complicit
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized P35.4 million worth of imported onions and garlic from a cold storage facility in Nueva Ecija as part of a crackdown on alleged agricultural smuggling and violations of customs laws.
The inspection was led by Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and Melvin Matibag, director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
The operation, which resulted in the confiscation of thousands of bags of onions and garlic sourced from China and the Netherlands, is now the subject of both a criminal investigation and an internal customs probe, the BOC said.
Enforcement teams discovered 6,088 bags of small yellow onions from Holland, 1,080 bags of big yellow onions from China, 3,780 bags of big red onions from China, and 12,350 bags of garlic from China. Authorities placed the total estimated value of the haul at P35,437,198.
A warrant of seizure and detention was issued on May 21, 2026, for violation of Section 224 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. The NBI is separately pursuing a case against the importer and other potentially liable parties for possible violations of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.
The raid was set in motion by intelligence furnished by the NBI alleging agricultural smuggling. Acting on the report, the BOC Intelligence Group and the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port, in coordination with the NBI and the Philippine Coast Guard, mounted enforcement operations at the facility.
The BOC also confirmed it has opened an internal investigation to determine whether any of its own personnel may have facilitated or turned a blind eye to the unlawful importation and movement of the seized goods.
READ: BOC endorses complaints vs smugglers of agricultural goods
Nepomuceno drew a direct line between the operation and its impact on Filipino farmers.
“We will not allow smugglers to profit while our farmers suffer losses and the nation’s food security is put at risk. This operation sends a clear message that the Bureau of Customs, together with our partner agencies, will continue to pursue those who undermine legitimate trade and exploit our agricultural industry,” the commissioner said.
The BOC-Manila International Container Port, led by district collector Atty. Felipe Geoffrey De Vera IV said it remains committed to proactive border protection, fair trade enforcement, and accountability across all customs operations.
READ: BOC intercepts P12.96M in misdeclared agri goods at MICP
