Customs seizes P9.8 M-worth of illegally imported onions

By Nephele Fabiola S. Kirong

Thursday 10th of May 2012

QUEZON CITY, May 10 (PIA) -- As a result of their all-out war against smuggling, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) was able to seize seven 40-footer container vans of illegally imported onions worth P9.8 million.

According to Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon, the container vans of smuggle onions were from China and arrived at the Manila International Container Port in February and March of this year.

He added that they were consigned to four non-existent consignees namely, One Paul Trading, Silver Stripes Trading, Clerical Enterprises, and JZEVEN66 Trading.

The BOC also reported that the seized smuggled onions were misdeclared as housewares, school supplies, and house decors.

“Our efforts to identify and prosecute all those involved in this smuggling attempt will not end at the non-existent addresses of these fake consignees. We will undertake a deep and sustained probe on this smuggling attempt, if only to prosecute all the people involved in it,” Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon said.

He also emphasized that the BOC will thoroughly examine all food importations and will clean-up the bureau’s list of accredited importers.

Meanwhile, Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Danilo Lim expressed approval over the Manila International Container Port (MICP) – Customs Intelligence success in stopping the illegal onion shipment.

The examination of the illegal shipment was led by MICP-CIIS Officer-In-Charge Bienvenido Rubio with CIIS Director Fernandino Tuason. (BOC)