The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted a shipment of imported oranges from Thailand valued at P8.4 million after discovering that it lacked the required sanitary documents. 

In collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, the BOC successfully prevented the entry of 3,200 cartons of fresh oranges.

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) carried out the interception at the Manila International Container Port (MICP). The shipment was flagged due to the absence of the necessary import sanitary clearance from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).

“Their prompt actions prevented the entry of subject oranges which are not only deemed unsafe for human consumption but endangers the country’s local ecology due to the absence of the required SPSIC which safeguards the nation’s border against possible entry of infested and/or contaminated agricultural products,” the Customs said in a statement.

Representatives from Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services (CISS), the Enforcement and Security Service, the Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force, the X-ray Inspection Project, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) were present during the 100 percent physical examination of the subject goods.

CIIS Director Verne Enciso said that the “derogatory information” the CIIS received from the BPI led them to the seizure of the shipment. 

“This interception highlights the coordination and collaboration among and between key government agencies, and even the various units within the BOC. The information we received was immediately verified by our officers and with the help of agriculture experts, we were able to pin down the cargo,” he said. 

The undocumented oranges were also subjected to K-9 sweeping by PDEA personnel, but the BOC noted there were no dangerous drugs were found in the shipment.

The confiscated oranges will be subjected to condemnation proceedings under DA Department Order No. 09, series of 2010, to ensure that said goods do not reach the local market.

The case records of the subject importation were also referred to the Bureau Action Team Against Smuggling for case build-up and eventual prosecution of personalities behind the halted unlawful importation of agricultural products.

Meanwhile, the BOC said it will continue collaborating wit the DA to enhance efforts in securing the country's borders, ensuring that unlawfully imported and potentially harmful products will not proliferate our local markets.