DAVAO CITY (September 22) — Again! the Bureau of Customs (BOC) uncovered and seized P16 million worth of smuggled onions from China at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said the red onions were hidden in 6 containers and were misdeclared as apples.
The shipment arrived at the port last Aug. 14, Lapeña revealed.
The shipper declared that it contained 2,500 cartons of fresh apples but upon inspection, it turned out 20,000 cartons of red onions, estimated to be worth P16 million.
The shipment was consigned to ASD Total Package Enterprises Inc. It contained 2 layers of apple cartons on the front but was filled with bags of onions inside.
The agency made an inspection after they were alerted that ASD Total Package Enterprises Inc. has a previous smuggling record.
He told reporters, “Earlier this month, six containers vans of ASD declared as apples were seized by MICP for misdeclaration of P12 million worth of onions.”
Appropriate charges will be filed against the firm’s owner and customs broker Michael Miranda Sumile.
Smugglers, according to Lapeña, usually misdeclare their goods to evade paying the correct taxes.-Editha Z. Caduaya/NewsLine.ph
