ALERT customs operatives at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) again foiled an attempt to smuggle in more than P10 million worth of red onions from China declared as ‘ice cream’ by the consignee to avoid detection.
MICP district collector, Romeo Allan Rosales, said he immediately issued a ‘pre-lodgement control order (PLCO) as requested by the port’s intelligence chief, Alvin M. Enciso, that allowed for the non-intrusive (X-ray) and physical inspection of the shipment consigned to ‘E. Austero Merchandising.’
Unknown to the consignee, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) under Enciso already has prior information about the shipment’s actual content.
Rosales personally witnessed the opening of the container last June 28, 2021, along with Enciso, the assigned customs examiner and other port officials.
The inspection revealed the onions hidden inside containers for ice cream.
Rosales said he has already ordered the shipment seized thru the issuance of an ‘WSD’ (warrant of seizure and detention).
The official added that appropriate charges are now being readied against those involved in the smuggling attempt.
In a brief statement, Rosales reiterated the port’s commitment to prevent the entry of all illegal goods including agricultural products that do not have the necessary government permits. Red onion is a highly regulated product to protect local farmers.
The apprehension came on the heel of a similar apprehension of red onions from China at the Port of Subic under Coll. Maritess Martin only last June 8, 2021 worth over P9 million consigned to ‘Gingarnion Agri Trading.’