THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) said it had disposed of five containers of smuggled agricultural products through the Port of Subic last week due to potential health hazards.
The shipment contained rotten frozen meat, fish, preserved fruits, vegetables and other perishable goods, the agency said in statement on Thursday.
“By condemning these illegal imports, the Bureau reaffirms its commitment to protecting the health and safety of Filipino citizens,” Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said. “Smuggled agricultural products pose serious risks, and we will continue to act decisively against these threats.”
Under a Customs memo, farm goods deemed unfit for human consumption must be disposed of properly.
This safeguards consumers from unsafe, unregulated and illegally imported food products, the BoC said. District Collector Noel C. Estanislao added that the agency would “rigorously enforce customs laws” to ensure a safer marketplace and deter illegal trade.
The BoC earlier reported seizing P85.18 billion worth of smuggled products in 2024, including P1.19 billion in agricultural goods. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante
