P1.5-M worth of smuggled onions, veggies seized in Taguig raid

Authorities seized P1.5 million worth of white onions and other vegetables and arrested 2 people in a raid in Taguig City Monday.

The raid stemmed from a tip to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and Bureau of Plant Industry regarding smuggled vegetables in a Taguig warehouse.

Operatives found in the warehouse several types of onions, carrots, ginger, and garlic, many of which were imported from China based on its packaging. None of the imported produce have permits.

“We coordinated with the Bureau of Plant Industry and requested them if this (JC) establishment has a permit to import and also a permit for distribution and sales of imported goods, which it turned out they are not licensed to do that,” said PCol. Marlon Quimno, CIDG NCR’s regional chief.

“Nakita natin na 'yung product nila, white onions, it is not a local product. It came from China,” PCol. Quimno added.

Authorities also found out that the grocery store was selling fresh products along with expired fish and meat in their cold storage facility.

This can cause food poisoning and other health threats, according to the Office of City Veterinarian (OCV) of Taguig.

“We opted to seal the cold storage facility, the freezer, as well as the meat products. For further investigation,” said Dr. Glenn Manlapid, Veterinarian III of Taguig OCV.

“Ang violation is 'yung expired product and possible cross contamination of product. (JC) They can be contaminated with bacteria which could be harmful sa health ng consumers, ng mga bibili ng karne… they could get diarrhea or food poisoning,” he added.

They are also selling imported pampano.  

The CIDG temporarily closed the warehouse while their probe was underway. The CIDG has a reminder to businessmen.

“We hope na itong mga negosyante natin na sana ay hindi ganito ang mangyari na nabubulok na lang ang mga sibuyas and at the same time (JC) no agricultural products na hindi dumadaan sa quarantine facilities natin,” PCol. Quimno said.

The owners of the warehouse and grocery store declined to comment. They can face complaints related to the violation of Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act and Consumer Act of the Philippines.