P25 million worth of banned Peking ducks, other food products seized in Pampanga
By Minka Klaudia Tiangco
Around P25 million worth of food products that were allegedly smuggled into the country were seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Barangay Anunas, Angeles, Pampanga, Thursday noon.
A total of 1,149 boxes, each with at least 10 heads of Peking ducks worth around P23 million; and other frozen goods worth P2 million were confiscated during an operation at a warehouse in Barangay Anunas at 12:30 p.m. Thursday.
Peking ducks are banned in the Philippines due to the threat of bird flu, the BOC said.
It added that importation of poultry products from several countries, except the United States, Canada, and Australia, are also currently banned.
Elements of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services (CIIS), National Bureau of Investigation-Special Action Unit (NBI-SAU), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) were inspecting the warehouse on the strength of a letter of authority served to Jimgold M. Tan, the representative of the warehouse owner, when they found the alleged smuggled products.
Found in the warehouse were boxes of soy sauce, oil, and frozen food products such as Peking duck, fish balls, squid balls, vegetables, pork meat, among others.
Appropriate charges are now being readied against those behind the alleged smuggling, the BOC said.
(Photos from BOC)

