The seized goods
BOC uncovers P30M worth of expired meat, frozen goods in Caloocan warehouse
THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) discovered P30 million worth of expired meat and other frozen goods during an inspection of a warehouse in Caloocan City last August 1, 2023.
The inspection was conducted by agents of the Customs bureau, as well as representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS).
Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio stressed the agency’s commitment to protecting the country’s borders in accordance to the directive by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“Our agents work tirelessly to protect not only our borders, but all the other industries, too, including livestock, poultry, and meat. Not only is the entry of spoiled meat detrimental to the health of our citizens, it also puts in danger all other industries because of the possibility of pathogenic diseases entering critical sectors,” he said.
Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy shared that the inspection of the warehouse yielded P30 million worth of spoiled frozen meat and other products, such as imported ice cream and imported meat balls, among others.
“Our agriculture industries will only remain vibrant if we do our mandate of intercepting possible disease-bearing animals and protecting both the consumers and our industries. Thankfully, our representatives from the BOC itself and the DA and NMIS have extensive training and experience in agricultural inspection since they are our country’s frontliners to ensure economic resilience,” he said.
Representatives from the DA and the NMIS did an initial evaluation on the meat products which were determined to be unfit for human consumption.
Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service Director Verne Enciso explained that proper procedures will be followed in prosecuting those liable for the contents of the warehouse.
“Protecting our consumers remains a priority to the bureau. However, we can also only ensure to put a stoppage to these activities by apprehending these individuals and groups through the proper means. Along with this, we must also enhance our information-sharing capabilities with key agencies to detect and deter the entry of these illegal, and sometimes even spoiled, goods,” he said.
While investigations are still ongoing, the BOC reiterates its steadfast commitment to safeguard public health and its intensified border control and security measures to curb smuggling in line with the directives of President Marcos Jr.
