In Navotas City, Philippines, authorities confiscated over 300 tons of illicit vegetables from an unauthorized warehouse. The operation, conducted by a collaborative team from the Department of Agriculture's (DA) Inspectorate and Enforcement Office, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), and additional law enforcement agencies, targeted two cold storage facilities. This initiative led to the seizure of smuggled onions, carrots, and other vegetables. Specifically, one facility housed 132.75 tons of white onions, estimated at P21.2 million, while the other contained 89.89 tons of imported carrots, valued at approximately P13.48 million.
In reaction to the raid, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel directed the Bureau of Plant Industry to halt all new import permits for these vegetables, citing the current surplus of onions and carrots. The operation also uncovered 360 kilos of tomatoes, 10 kilos of enoki mushrooms, and an additional 92.25 tons of imported white onions within a 40-foot container van. Tiu Laurel emphasized the government's commitment to combating illegal trade practices that harm local agriculture, echoing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s mandate to rigorously pursue smugglers. He also encouraged the public to report any suspected smuggling of agricultural goods to the DA.
Source: gmanetwork.com