The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized 21 container vans loaded with smuggled frozen mackerel from China, valued at over P178 million.
Agents from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service at the Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) conducted the operation as part of an intensified effort to combat the entry of illegally imported agricultural products.
On October 16, the CIIS-MICP recommended issuing a Pre-Lodgement Control Order for the container vans based on derogatory information regarding the shipments.
The CIIS estimated that each container of frozen mackerel is worth P8.5 million, bringing the total value to P178.5 million.
Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio emphasized that the request for the Pre-Lodgement Control Order was made due to concerns that the shipment contained misclassified, misdeclared, and undeclared goods.
“Our mission to protect the country’s agricultural sector is just as important and critical as our mission to stop the illegal entry of drugs and other contraband. Keeping smuggled agricultural products off our local markets ensures fair competition and helps lower the cost of goods,” he stated.
In a letter dated October 25, Deputy Commissioner for the Intelligence Group, Juvymax Uy, addressed MICP District Collector Rizalino Torralba, reiterating the CIIS’ recommendation to issue a Warrant of Seizure and Detention for the shipments.
Uy noted that this request was based on information indicating that the shipments lacked the necessary SPS Import Clearance (SPSIC) from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
CIIS Director Verne Enciso reported that the 21 containers of frozen mackerel arrived at MICP late last month and remain unclaimed by the consignee. The team contacted BFAR to verify the current importation requirements for mackerel and whether the consignee had obtained an SPSIC.
Divine Ramos from BFAR’s Fisheries Certification Section confirmed that the importer, “Pacific Sealand Foods Corporation,” had not applied for mackerel importation from August 30 to September 16, 2024.
Furthermore, additional applications had been rejected due to a memorandum from the Department of Agriculture (DA) suspending the issuance of SPSICs for importing round scad, mackerel, and bonito.
“We are currently gathering information on the consignee of these shipments and will file appropriate cases. We also want to stress the importance of proper coordination among various government agencies that contributed to the seizure of these goods,” Enciso stated.
The consignee may face charges for violating Sections 117 and 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) in relation to DA Memorandum Order No. 14, series of 2024, and other existing DA regulations.
