By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has arrested four Chinese nationals and confiscated from them PHP1.7 million worth of smuggled onions declared as chicken karaage strips.
In a statement on Wednesday, CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said the suspects with aliases Shengren, Jialong, Wei, and Dewen, were arrested while in possession and control of the white onions found inside a 40-footer container van in Barangay Laug, Mexico, Pampanga on April 26.
Torre said the operation stemmed from reports of possible agricultural smuggling using a trailer truck that would pass through Mexico town.
During a check, police confirmed the smuggling activity after the container van yielded white onions instead of the Japanese chicken strips stated on the importation documents.
“Upon inspection, it was found out that the products are white onions, the suspects allegedly misdeclared the onions as chicken karaage strips to evade the payment of correct taxes and duties due to the government,” Torre said, adding that the white onions were imported from China.
“Our aggressive operations prevent smuggling of agricultural and fishery products, which negatively affects supply, production, and price stability of agricultural products and threatens food security.”
Torre said the four suspects are now facing charges for violation of Section 7 paragraph (c) and (e) of Republic Act 12022 (Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act) in relation to RA 10845 (Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016) for use of fraudulent import and shipping documents and tax evasion through misclassification, misdeclaration or undervaluation of imported goods.
“This operation is part of the national government’s efforts to protect farmers and fisherfolk from unscrupulous traders and importers and ensure reasonable and affordable prices of agricultural and fishery products for consumers,” Torre added. (PNA)
