Ang Pahayagan

MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confiscated ₱53 million worth of smuggled pharmaceutical products and assorted goods lacking permits from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno led the inspection of the seized shipment on Tuesday, following an intelligence operation that uncovered the misdeclared cargo from China.

The shipment was declared as containing 1,144 pet cages, but a spot check by customs personnel revealed undeclared medicines, prompting authorities to conduct a full physical examination.

The inspection uncovered 336 boxes of pharmaceutical products valued at ₱33.36 million, along with 406 boxes of assorted goods worth ₱19.69 million, including electronics, cosmetics, automotive parts, hardware, and accessories.

Authorities said the shipment violated provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, particularly on misdeclaration, as well as the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009.

“Our sustained intelligence and enforcement operations are driven by our commitment to safeguarding public safety and advancing the welfare of the nation. We will not allow illicit trade to undermine the safety of our people or the integrity of our economy,” Nepomuceno said.

He warned smugglers that those involved in illegal importation activities would be held accountable.

Nepomuceno said the operation supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen border protection and intensify anti-smuggling efforts nationwide.

MICP District Collector Felipe Geoffrey K. De Vera said the port will continue heightened monitoring and stricter border inspections in support of the BOC’s anti-smuggling campaign.

Also present during the inspection were officials from the FDA and representatives from Unilab Inc.