October 31, 2019

"Misdeclared" pork found in shipments at Philippine harbour

Authorities in the Philippines have confiscated ₱3.5 million (US$68,899) of smuggled pork products at the Port of Manila on October 30, CNN Philippines reported.

According to a statement by the Bureau of Customs-POM, two container trucks from China arrived at South Harbor on October 8, and were misdeclared as seasonings and tomato paste.

The containers were consigned to JRA & Pearl Enterprises and processed by Customs Broker Arlene De Mateo Gonzales.

"Based on the initial report, the consignee declared the shipment as food enhancers (seasoning) and tomato paste with a total declared duties and taxes of ₱337,264.00," the Customs bureau said.

However, an inspection had uncovered misdeclared pork and other meat products in the containers.

This latest confiscation comes on the heels of seized pork and meat products from China last week.

The Philippines bans pork and pork products from China and 15 other countries hit by African swine fever.

- CNN Philippines