BOC seizes P202M smuggled mackerel at Port of Manila

On Monday, authorities seized smuggled frozen mackerel worth P202 million at the Port of Manila following a tip from Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service and Plant Quarantine Service-Bureau of Plant Industry, which led to an alert order on February 13 and subsequent inspections from February 18 to 19.

The 19-container shipment from China was declared as frozen fried taro in an attempt to bypass regulations, but the misdeclaration was discovered during the inspection process.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio emphasized that illegal agricultural imports threaten farmers and food security, underscoring the bureau's intensified efforts against smuggling syndicates.

Rubio praised the collaboration between the BOC, Department of Agriculture, and other agencies in this operation, highlighting the government’s commitment to protecting local industries and ensuring economic stability.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and District Collector Alexander Gerard Alviar also inspected the seized containers on Monday.