Subic Bay Freeport – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Subic prevented the entry and eventual release of misdeclared agricultural products in the Port of Subic.
Upon receipt of reliable derogatory information, the Port of Subic issued eight Pre-Lodgment Control Orders and two (2) Alert Orders against a total of fifteen (15) 40-footer container van shipments said to contain frozen lobster balls and frozen Surimi crab.
However, during the conduct of 100% physical examination the said alerted shipments were instead found to contain assorted fresh vegetables (potatoes, carrots, broccoli).
The seized misdeclared agricultural products will be subjected to seizure and forfeiture proceedings for violation of Section 1113 in relation to Section 117 of the CMTA and DA A.O. No. 09 Series of 2010, and DA A.O. No. 18 Series of 2000. Similarly, the records of the subject importation shall be referred to the Bureau Action Teams Against Smuggling for corresponding case build up and eventual prosecution of personalities responsible for the foiled smuggling attempt.
BOC-Port of Subic acting District Collector Ciriaco Ugay remains unwavering in its commitment of strictly implementing customs and allied laws, rules and regulations, and facilitate the release of only lawfully imported goods.
SBMA Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan, who personally went to the Freeport’s container terminal for the inspection.
Chairman Tan lauded the vigilance of the two agencies, stating that both the SBMA and the BOC Port of Subic are very much serious in implementing the President’s mandate to go after agricultural smugglers and end illicit trade in the country. (Dante M. Salvaña)