BOC seizes P13 million worth of smuggled carrots from China

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) confiscated smuggled carrots from China valued at P13 million at the Port of Manila.

The shipment, consisting of 53,283.88 kilos of carrots consigned to Fourth Consumer Goods Trading, was misdeclared as dry goods, bathroom fixtures, napkins, and storage boxes.

The carrots arrived at the Port of Manila on Oct. 2 and showed signs of rotting.

BOC Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla noted this as a new modus operandi, possibly involving chemicals to prolong the vegetable's life since it did not pass the Department of Agriculture's screening.

Smugglers will face charges for violating the non-bailable Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act, which could lead to life imprisonment.

The BOC estimates that smugglers would have evaded approximately P1.3 million in duties and taxes.

The confiscated carrots are slated for destruction.