The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have launched a joint investigation into an alleged agricultural smuggling operation following the seizure of imported onions and garlic valued at approximately ₱35.4 million from a cold storage facility in Talavera, Nueva Ecija.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and NBI Director Melvin Matibag led the inspection of the confiscated agricultural products, which were uncovered during an enforcement operation targeting possible violations of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
The operation was carried out by the BOC Intelligence Group and the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service–Manila International Container Port, in coordination with the NBI and the Philippine Coast Guard.
Authorities seized 6,088 bags of small yellow onions from Holland, 1,080 bags of big yellow onions, 3,780 bags of big red onions, and 12,350 bags of garlic from China, with a total estimated value of ₱35,437,198.
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued on May 21 for alleged violation of Section 224 of the CMTA.
Nepomuceno said the NBI’s involvement would help identify not only those directly linked to the warehouse operation but also individuals who may have financed or facilitated the alleged illegal importation, including government personnel who may have issued improper permits or inspections.
He stressed that the government remains committed to protecting local farmers, safeguarding food security, and pursuing those involved in agricultural smuggling and other illegal trade activities.
Meanwhile, Matibag said investigators have already identified irregularities that could help determine accountability, including possible lapses in the issuance of permits.
The NBI is investigating the importer and other parties for possible violations of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, while the BOC is conducting an internal probe to determine whether any customs personnel were involved in the alleged unlawful importation or movement of the seized goods.
The operation forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to strengthen food security, protect the agricultural sector, and enforce customs and trade regulations.
