Authorities discovered at least P85 million worth of suspected smuggled poultry products from China without the proper duties and taxes inside a warehouse in Parañaque City.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said that while the initial inventory was estimated at P85 million, the actual cost of shipment, including frozen pork, duck and chicken meat, and food items with Chinese markings, has still yet to be determined by examiners.
“The audacity of these people to smuggle and hide agricultural products right in the heart of Metro Manila is beyond me,” BOC commissioner Bien Rubio said in a statement.
“They belittle our laws and make a mockery of our hardworking Customs agents by thinking they can operate these illegal activities just a few kilometers from our port,” he added.
The BOC said the warehouse owners will be given 15 days to present the necessary documents to clear out allegations that they were hoarding imported agricultural products.
Those who fail to submit the proper documents will face charges against provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) on misdeclaration of goods.
“There is no room for error, especially when it involves the entry of illegal agricultural products because it affects our farmers and fisherfolk,” Rubio said.
The BOC — mandated to supervise and control the clearance of vessels and aircraft engaged in foreign commerce — is tasked to collect nearly P1 trillion this year after generating P883.624 billion in revenues in 2023. —Jon Viktor Cabuenas/RF, GMA Integrated News
