MANILA: Officials of the Bureau of Customs (BoC)– Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) has foiled an attempt by unscrupulous importers to sneak in into the country more than P4.2 million worth of onions.
The onions from China was consigned to Equicent Import and Export Corporation with business ad-dress at U253, 2F Velco Centre Building, R.S. Oca corner Delgado St., Port Area, Manila.
Teodoro Sagaral, chief of the Manila International Container Port (MICP-CIIS), said on Thursday that the consignee deliberately covered the onions with fresh garlic.
According to Sagaral, the import permit presented covered the fresh garlic only but didn’t account for the onions.
CIIS Director Neil Estrella said the importers have no corresponding import permits from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).
BPI, an agency under Department of Agriculture, issues import permits for onions and garlic.
Enforcement Group Deputy Commissioner Teddy Raval recommended the issuance of a warrant of seizure and detention for misdeclaration.
