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The Bureau of Customs-Port of Subic seized misdeclared agricultural products
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Fifteen containers said to hold frozen lobster balls and Surimi crab were found to contain fresh vegetables
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BOC is taking legal action against the seized goods, citing violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act along with relevant agricultural laws
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The case records are being referred to the Bureau Action Teams Against Smuggling for further investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the smuggling attempt
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Subic recently seized 15 containers holding misdeclared agricultural products.
The Port of Subic issued eight Pre-Lodgment Control Orders and two Alert Orders against fifteen 40-footer container van shipments initially declared to contain frozen lobster balls and Surimi crab, the BOC said in a statement.
Upon 100% physical examination, the shipments were found to contain assorted fresh vegetables, including potatoes, carrots, and broccoli.
The misdeclared agricultural products are now under seizure and forfeiture proceedings, citing violations of Section 1113 in relation to Section 117 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 09 Series of 2010 (rules on importation of agricultural and fish and fishery/aquatic products, among others), and DA AO No. 18 Series of 2000 (revised guidelines on the importation of agricultural products).
BOC has referred the importation records to the Bureau Action Teams Against Smuggling, initiating a case build-up for the prosecution of those responsible for the foiled smuggling attempt.
“Had (it) not for the timely discovery of the foiled smuggling attempt, several containers of potentially hazardous agricultural products would have entered the country to the detriment, not only of the health and safety of the consuming public, but similarly the local agricultural industry,” BOC commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said.
Acting Port of Subic district collector Ciriaco Ugay reaffirmed their commitment to strict implementation of customs and allied laws. According to Ugay, the port is committed to protecting the country’s borders and stopping illegal activities that could hurt national safety and the economy.
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