Philippines, Manila International Container Port:
Bureau of Customs seizes 17 containers with smuggled onions
Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña assured the press the consignee would be charged with multiple violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. He added that the consignee may also be charged with economic sabotage as the smuggled cargo is estimated at P20 million (€313.000).
According to an article on untvweb.com, the seizure was prompted by a tip that had reached the Department of Agriculture, which in turn alerted Customs officials. Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol was among those who personally inspected the shipments Monday. Piñol expressed concern that the smuggled onions might pose health risks when sold to consumers.
