A total of P202.5 million worth of onions and other agri-fishery products from Hong Kong, China were seized in separate operations at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) in January 2023 alone.
In a recent report from the Department of Agriculture (DA), it was disclosed that the agri-fishery products were from the 24 container vans consigned to Asterzenmed Inc. and Seaster Consumer Goods Trading Inc. in separate operations at MICP.
"From the 24 vans apprehended, nine belonged to Seaster Consumer Goods, which were found to contain fresh red and white onions with a total estimated market value of P77.8 million," it was stated.
"Subsequent operations revealed multi-million smuggled agri-produce by consignee Asterzenmed Inc.," it went on.
Three alerted containers carrying fresh yellow onions, red onions, potatoes, and roasted sweet potatoes with an estimated market value of P24.4 M were seized on Jan. 23. It was followed by the confiscation of three containers loaded with red onions, imitation crab sticks, and frozen boneless beef, with a total estimated market value of P31 million.
"Another inspection of three Asterzenmed Inc. containers resulted in the confiscation of P24 M worth of red onions and assorted meat products, while P21.5M worth of smuggled assorted meat products was confiscated from the inspection of three other container vans," the report added.
While the latest reported operation on Jan. 27 led to the discovery of two container vans containing potatoes and fresh yellow onions with an estimated value of P23.6 M.
"The misdeclared and misclassified goods in January 2023, totalling P202.5 M, were seized through the combined efforts of the DA Inspectorate and Enforcement, together with partner agencies including the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Plant Industry, Bureau of Animal Industry, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources," the DA said.
"It was also revealed that the goods, which originated from Hong Kong, China, have no Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance," it further disclosed.
The DA reiterated its commitment to continue the fight against smuggling “to safeguard the welfare of Filipino farmers and fishers and make locally grown agricultural products more competitive.”