Photo by: Bureau of Customs
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) foiled an attempt to smuggle misdeclared agricultural goods valued at ₱7.7 million after uncovering shipments of fresh carrots concealed in four container vans at the Port of Manila, reinforcing its intensified efforts to curb agricultural smuggling and protect local farmers from unfair market competition.
The shipments, which were declared as assorted food products, including egg noodles, flat noodles, soya wrappers, fish tofu, and wakame salad, arrived at the Port of Manila in two batches on March 22 and 25, 2026. Acting on derogatory information received by the Port, Alert Orders were issued against the shipments.
Photo by: Bureau of Customs
A 100% physical inspection conducted by Customs examiners revealed that the shipments contained 12,909 boxes of misdeclared fresh carrots and 1,452 boxes of egg noodles. The misdeclared carrots were estimated to be worth ₱6.97 million, while the egg noodles were valued at approximately ₱773,557.00, bringing the total estimated value of the shipments to more than ₱7.74 million, inclusive of duties and taxes.
Following the discovery, the BOC issued Warrants of Seizure and Detention against the shipments on May 11 and 22, 2026. The cargoes were subsequently forfeited in favor of the government for violations of Sections 117 and 1400 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in relation to Section 1113 of the same law and Republic Act No. 10845, or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016.
Photo by: Bureau of Customs
“Hindi natin hahayaan na makalusot ang mga shipment na gumagamit ng misdeclaration at iba pang mapanlinlang na paraan para makaiwas sa tamang pagbabayad ng buwis at mga kinakailangang permit. Paiigtingin pa natin ang mga operasyon laban sa agricultural smuggling upang maprotektahan ang kabuhayan ng ating mga local farmers,” Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said.
The inspection was led by Enforcement Group Deputy Commissioner PBGen Nolasco K. Bathan (Ret.), together with Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner PMGen Emmanuel Luis D. Licup, Port of Manila District Collector Rizalino Jose C. Torralba, other key BOC officials, and representatives from the Department of Agriculture, including Assistant Secretary Willie Ann M. Angsiy.
The Bureau of Customs remains committed to strengthening enforcement efforts, preventing agricultural smuggling, and protecting the interests of Filipino farmers and consumers.