BOC, DA PREVENT  ENTRY OF P8.4-M SMUGGLED ORANGES FROM THAILAND

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA), prevented the entry into the country of some P8.4 million worth of smuggled oranges from Thailand.

A total of 3,200 cartons of fresh oranges valued at 8.422 million were intercepted by the authorities at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

Personnel of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) confiscated the shipment after receiving “derogatory information” from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).

According to the BPI, the oranges were illegally imported as the shipment lacked the required sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance.

Customs officials said unsanitary imported agricultural products pose health risks to consumers.

“Smuggling does not only pose a threat to the country’s security, but also puts our consumers at risk,” the BOC said.

The confiscated oranges will be subjected to condemnation proceedings in accordance with the DA Department Order No. 09, Series of 2010.

Under the leadership of district collector Carmelita M. Talusan, the MICP continues to enhance its vigilance against illicit goods and strengthen its partnerships with other agencies.

The effort is also aligned with BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio’s commitment to President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos’ directive to combat smuggling and protect the health and safety of the public.