BOC, DOH, DA seize P34M smuggled onions, mackerel from China

Authorities from the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Department of Health (DOH), and Department of Agriculture (DA) intercepted six container vans at the Port of Manila containing smuggled onions and frozen mackerel from China.

The shipments, which arrived in the country on May 27 and June 1, were misdeclared as food items such as mantou, egg noodles, and kimchi.

The intercepted goods include approximately 74 metric tons of fresh red onions valued at P10.3 million, white onions worth P3.82 million, and frozen mackerel estimated at P20.8 million, totaling around P34 million.

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued on June 23 for misdeclaration and lack of necessary import permits, violating the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

BOC Assistant Commissioner Vincent Maronilla explained that smugglers often declare items regulated by the FDA to circumvent regulations.