Photo by: Bureau of Customs
Manila -The Bureau of Customs (BOC), under the leadership of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, has intensified its anti-smuggling operations, resulting in the seizure of misdeclared pharmaceutical products and assorted goods valued at ₱53 million at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
The inspection, conducted on Tuesday, aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen border security and curb illicit trade.
The shipment, which originated from China, was initially declared as containing 1,144 pet cages. However, a spot check uncovered undeclared medicines, prompting the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service – MICP to recommend a full physical examination.
Photo by: Bureau of Customs
Upon inspection, authorities discovered 336 boxes of pharmaceutical products worth ₱33.367 million, all lacking the necessary permits from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Also seized were 406 boxes of assorted goods—including electronics, cosmetics, automotive parts, hardware, and accessories—valued at ₱19.692 million.
The misdeclaration constitutes violations of Section 1400 (Misdeclaration in Goods Declaration) in relation to Section 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), as well as Republic Act No. 9711, or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009.
“Our sustained intelligence and enforcement operations reflect our commitment to protecting public safety and promoting national welfare. We will not allow illicit trade to compromise the safety of our people or the integrity of our economy,” Nepomuceno said.
He also issued a stern warning to smugglers.
“Gusto kong linawin sa mga nagtatangkang magpuslit ng ilegal na produkto: sisiguruhin namin na ang lahat ng sangkot sa ganitong gawain ay mananagot sa batas,” he added.
MICP District Collector Felipe Geoffrey K. De Vera affirmed the port’s continued vigilance in support of the BOC’s intensified campaign against smuggling.
Representatives from the FDA, led by Officer-in-Charge Atty. Franklin Anthony M. Tabaquin IV, along with personnel from UNILAB Inc., were present during the inspection.
The BOC reiterated its commitment to strengthening intelligence-driven operations to curb smuggling, safeguard public health, and uphold fair trade practices nationwide.