P30-M Worth of White Onions Attempted to be Smuggled in Manila Seized by DA
The Department of Agriculture (DA) intercepted P30 million worth of white onions that attempted to be smuggled into Manila.
100 tons or 100,000 kilos of alleged smuggled white onions worth P30 million were discovered at Port of Manila. In the statement of DA Assistant Secretary James Layug, they received an intelligence report that four 40-footer container vans containing smuggled onions misdeclared agriculture products.
The container vans were previously declared as carrying breads and pastries, according to the investigation. A joint inspection team from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and the DA Wide Field Inspectorate (WFI) visited the Port of Manila.
Based on the report. 100 tons of white onions were visible when the four container vans were unlocked. Due to its contradicting import documentation, the DA made sure that the shipment did not pass through food safety regulations.
According to Layug, the smuggled produce poses a threat to the region’s fishing and agriculture sectors because the consignments may be carrying transnational diseases. The origin of the package was not stated by the DA.
As may be recalled, the DA previously declared that it will look into reports of a spike in onion prices despite the plentiful supply in the nation. So that the person responsible for the smuggling attempt can be charged, the DA is putting up their referral to the BOC.
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