Government agents uncovered P30 million worth of expired meat and other frozen goods in a raid at a warehouse in Caloocan City.
The operation was conducted by a team from the Bureau of Customs with assistance from the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS).
Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio stressed the agency’s commitment to protecting the country’s borders in accordance with the directive by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Our agents work tirelessly to protect not only our borders, but all the other industries, too, including livestock, poultry, and meat. Not
only is the entry of spoiled meat detrimental to the health of our citizens, but it also puts in danger all other industries because of the possibility of pathogenic diseases entering critical sectors,” he said.
Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy shared that theinspection of the warehouse last Tuesday yielded P30 million worth of
spoiled frozen meat and other products, such as imported ice cream and imported meatballs, among others.
“Our agriculture industries will only remain vibrant if we do our mandate of intercepting possible disease-bearing animals and
protecting both the consumers and our industries. Thankfully, our representatives from the BOC itself and the DA and NMIS have extensive
training and experience in agricultural inspection since they are our country’s frontliners to ensure economic resilience,” he said.
Representatives from the DA and the NMIS did an initial evaluation of the meat products which were determined to be unfit for human
consumption.
Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service Director Verne Enciso explained that proper procedures will be followed in prosecuting those
liable for the contents of the warehouse.
“Protecting our consumers remains a priority to the bureau. However, we can also only ensure to put a stoppage to these activities by
apprehending these individuals and groups through the proper means. Along with this, we must also enhance our information-sharing
capabilities with key agencies to detect and deter the entry of these illegal, and sometimes even spoiled goods,” he said.
While investigations are still ongoing, the BOC reiterates its steadfast commitment to safeguarding public health and its intensified
border control and security measures to curb smuggling in line with the directives of President Marcos Jr.
Customs seizes P30-m in frozen meat, other goods from Caloocan warehouse
