Smuggled agri products seized
Complete examination of the remaining 35 containers is ongoing and the detailed report will be used for issuing a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the shipments in violation of customs laws, rules and regulations.
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Bureau of Customs Port of Subic seized 44 containers of agricultural products that came from China on three separate occasions on 5, 9 and 10 December.
According to BoC Port of Subic district collector Atty. Maritess Martin, the agricultural products were misdeclared, prompting her office to issue 17 Alert Orders and Pre-lodgment Orders against the shipments belonging to Asterzenmed Inc. and Victory JM Enterprise OPC.
Of the 44 containers, 24 of them were consigned to Asterzenmed Inc., while the other 20 were consigned to Victory JM. Based on the initial report, a complete examination of five containers of STC Frozen Shabu-Shabu Balls consigned to Asterzenmed Inc. yielded frozen items like shabu-shabu balls, whole mackerel, boneless buffalo meat and boneless beef.
On the other hand, four containers declared as bread or pastries consigned to Victory JM contained mostly Fresh Red Onions and some Mantou, and soft French bread with a collective estimated value of P8,710,550.
Complete examination of the remaining 35 containers is ongoing and the detailed report will be used for issuing a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the shipments in violation of customs laws, rules and regulations.
The consignees may be charged for possible violations of the Department of Agriculture Administrative Order 18 series of 2000 and Department of Agriculture Department Circular 4 series of 2016 in relation to Section 1113(f) of the Republic Act No. 10863.
They also face violations of Department of Health-FDA Administrative Order 2020-0017, Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 9 series of 2010, and section 117 in relation to Section 1113(f) of the CMTA.