Authorities seized over 1,000 sacks of yellow onions which are believed to have been smuggled into the country amid the continuous rise of its price in the local market.
Police Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), said operatives of their Regional Special Operations raided in a warehouse in Tondo, Manila at around 7 p.m. on Friday based on the Letter of Authority issued by Customs Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz.
Estomo said the sacks of onions have an estimated value of P1.9 million.
"All of these have already been turned over to the Bureau of Plant Industry for inventory and proper disposition," said Estomo.
The operation came as customers have been complaining in the past weeks about the high cost of onions per kilo which is more than triple its amount before.
In the social media, several netizens have been posting photos of gold-colored onions to emphasize that it is no longer affordable for ordinary people.
Estomo said the NCRPO will do its best to run after smugglers.
"While there is a soar in the price of onions and possible shortage, some are taking advantage of the situation and imported illegally," said Estomo.
"We will no allow to that happen," he added.