The Bureau of Customs has seized P47.436 million worth of smuggled frozen and processed food products at the Port of Subic as part of the government’s intensified efforts to ensure safe and compliant goods reach local markets.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the agency continues to strengthen intelligence-driven enforcement operations to curb agricultural smuggling, which threatens public safety and undermines border security.
The operation was launched on shipments allegedly containing misdeclared agricultural products from China.
A 100-percent physical examination of the cargoes uncovered 3,192 cartons of assorted food items—including frozen beef, pork, chicken, duck, pastries, and seafood—misdeclared as “assorted shabu-shabu balls,” the BOC said.
Subic District Collector Noel Estanislao said authorities will further intensify measures to secure the country’s borders against agricultural smuggling and other illicit trade.
The shipments were found in violation of provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009, and the Food Safety Act of 2013.
