P1.63-M agri goods without import permits seized

MANILA: A joint inspection by various government agencies has resulted in the confiscation of PHP1.63 million worth of agricultural products without necessary permits, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported on Monday. In a statement, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said two shipments of agricultural goods brought by Japanese nationals, who were not identified, were seized in separate operations last week at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The shipments were apprehended for not having the required Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). The BOC-NAIA, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture's Intelligence and Enforcement Service (IES), intercepted on Aug. 8 a shipment that contained 527.1 kg. of fresh beef, 26.5 kg. of fresh chicken, 57.1 kg. of assorted fruits and vegetables and 57.1 kg. of fishery products. On Aug. 9, authorities intercep ted another shipment consisting of 140.2 kg. of meat and meat products, 10 pieces of eggs, 165 kg. of assorted fruits, plants, and vegetables, and 235.5 kg. of assorted fishery products. He added that all seized products have been turned over to the BAI, BPI, and BFAR for proper disposal to ensure that no potential health risks or harm to the food industry arise from their unauthorized entry. 'These operations are the direct result of the enhanced partnership between the Bureau and the DA, ensuring that our borders remain protected from the entry of unauthorized goods which may pose health hazards not only (to) the consuming public but our local industries,' Rubio said. Source: Philippines News Agency