The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confiscated some P3 million worth of onions at the Port of Cagayan de Oro which are believed to have been smuggled into the country from China.
Consigned to South Road Consumer Goods Trading, the shipment from China arrived in Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT) Sub-port located in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental. The containers were declared to have “frozen malt”.
Operatives from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS-CDO) Field Station then checked on the imported items based on discrepancy on importation documents which led to the discovery of the smuggled onions on Friday, Oct. 16.
Atty. Elvira Cruz, District Collector of the Port of Cagayan de Oro commended the vigilance of the customs personnel against smuggled vegetables which have been affecting local farmers.
The influx of cheap agricultural products in the market significantly reduced the income of local farmers.
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was already recommended for the issuance against the smuggled shipment. Last month, the Port of Cagayan de Oro destroyed P13.5 million worth of smuggled onions from China.