MANILA - The Bureau of Customs seized Monday smuggled onions inside three 40-foot container vans from China that made it to the Port of Manila.
Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said the onions were officially declared as mugs, saucers, and decorations. But they found out otherwise when the shipment passed through x-ray machines.
He said the onions are worth P4.5 million. The consignee for the confiscated goods was identified as Precious Prince Enterprises. The documents were signed by broker Reymund Cigaraya.
The Office of the District Collector has issued an alert order to prevent the release of the shipment. Authorities are preparing charges against Precious Prince Enterprises for violating Customs laws.
The Customs is also mulling revoking the accreditation of the importer and the broker involved in the smuggling of the onions. The agency is also probing if any of its employees was involved in the shipment.