P50M worth of agri, other goods seized in Bulacan
THE GOVERNMENT seized P50 million worth of imported goods in a warehouse in Bulacan last week, consisting of agricultural, cosmetic and health products.
A government task force found 2,000 concealed sacks of imported red onions, boxes of seafood, cosmetic and health products, and household items after it searched a warehouse of Elite Globus Primeholdings Corp., the Bureau of Customs said in a press release on Monday.
The cosmetic and health products do not have Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, the bureau said. Imported goods that have violated intellectual property rights and FDA rules will be destroyed.
The warehouse owner was also given 15 days from the Oct. 7 operations to present proof of payment of duties for the agricultural and household products. If the owner fails to do so, the goods will be taken by authorities.
The warehouse has been temporarily padlocked to secure the products while a Customs inventory is underway.
The Manila International Container Port-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (MICP-CIIS), Intelligence Group, and Philippine Coast Guard Task Force Aduana conducted the operation as authorized by the Customs commissioner. — Jenina P. Ibañez
