BoC seizes P2-M illegal onions

THE Customs bureau’s Manila port last week confiscated P2 million worth of onions without proper sanitation permits.

The shipment, which contained 25 kilograms of onions, reportedly came from China, the Bureau of Customs (BoC) said in a statement.

“Upon verification, it was confirmed that the shipment lacked the required Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) from the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI), leading to the issuance of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against it,” the statement read.

“This recent seizure reflects our firm resolve in ensuring that products that are noncompliant with laws, rules and regulations do not infiltrate our markets,” Customs-Port of Manila District Collector Rizalino Jose C. Torralba was quoted as saying.

As of end-August, the BoC has seized P61.16 billion worth of smuggled goods from 1,231 operations.

Enforcing import regulations would help avoid the entry of unsafe agricultural commodities and enhance public trust, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz