BOC destroys piles of smuggled food in Subic

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has destroyed five containers of illegally imported agricultural products at the Port of Subic, reinforcing its crackdown on food smuggling.

Condemned on August 15 in a Subic, Zambales facility, the shipments contained frozen meat, fish, preserved fruits, vegetables, and other perishable goods. 

The cargo was forfeited to the government for lacking a phytosanitary certificate, violating Department of Agriculture regulations and Section 1113(f) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

“By condemning these illegal imports, the bureau reaffirms its commitment to protecting the health and safety of Filipino citizens. Smuggled agricultural products pose serious risks, and we will continue to act decisively against these threats,” said Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno.

District Collector Noel Estanislao added that the condemnation serves as a stern warning to smugglers. 

“The BOC will continue to rigorously enforce customs laws, ensuring a safer and more secure marketplace while deterring illegal trade that endangers the health of our citizens,” he said.