Imported carrots and other agricultural goods amounting to P4.75 million deemed smuggled were uncovered in several market stalls in Tondo, Manila, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) bared late Thursday, Sept. 30.
Various vegetables such as carrots, garlic, broccoli, red and yellow onions, and ginger were found in three market stalls during an inspection on Wednesday, Sept. 29.
The bureau said the stall owners failed to present proof of payment of duties and taxes and the corresponding import permit during the inspection, prompting them to seize the goods.
"The market stalls have been sealed and placed under Customs custody as the bureau conducts further inventory and investigation," the bureau said.
The operation came after various reports of smuggled carrots and other agricultural products have been spotted in markets in Divisoria, Manila.
Prior to the operation, the authorities conducted an investigation by posing as buyers before securing letters of authority to inspect the stalls in Carmen Planas Street and Bilbao Street in Tondo.
"The Bureau of Customs strongly denounces the fraudulent importation of agricultural products, and consistently implements efforts to intensify its border protection measures to assure the safety of the consumers," Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero said.
A task force including the BOC, Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) was formed to investigate the sudden proliferation of smuggled vegetables in the local markets.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar has also urged the public to refrain from buying smuggled carrots while the investigation is under way and while they conduct necessary tests on the products to determine the level of pesticide residue that may cause harm to consumers.