MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intercepted three 40-foot containers of misdeclared fresh carrots from China, worth over PHP13.2 million at the Port of Manila (POM).
An Assistant Commissioner, together with other key BOC officials, inspected the shipment of illicit agricultural goods at the port.
It was reported that the shipment arrived on Oct. 2. Six days later, a District Collector issued an Alert Order against the shipment when the POM Alert Monitoring Unit received a derogatory report.
Upon full physical examination conducted on Oct. 17, Customs examiners discovered 53,283.88 kg. of fresh carrots, which were declared as bathroom fixtures, napkins, and storage boxes.
The seized carrots have an estimated fair market value of PHP13,282,072.77.
“We are already preparing the necessary legal actions against those responsible,” the Assistant Commissioner said in a statement.
“Misdeclaration is a deliberate act to deceive the government and harm our farmers. The BOC will pursue this case with due process and determination,” the BOC official added.
The official said a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) will be issued against the shipment for violation of Section 1400 and 117 (Misdeclaration and Lack of Import Permit), in relation to Section 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
Meanwhile, the BOC official noted that the seized agricultural goods will be disposed of through destruction, as these are all already rotten.
He added that they will also investigate if the carrots have been injected with chemicals to extend their lifespan.
“It is being looked at because it did not pass the DA (Department of Agriculture) inspection, it may be loaded with chemicals to extend its lifespan so that its consumption can reach its maximum from the time of transport,” the official said.
“Whatever chemicals were put in there, if there are any, we want to find out, it might be dangerous. It would also be good to monitor not only refrigerated containers but also dry containers,” he added.
