The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized over ₱47.4 million worth of misdeclared frozen and processed agricultural products at the Port of Subic, intensifying its crackdown on agricultural smuggling.

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the operation was launched based on actionable intelligence from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service regarding shipments declared as assorted “shabu-shabu balls.”

Upon 100% physical inspection, authorities uncovered 3,192 cartons containing frozen beef, pork, chicken, duck, seafood, and pastry items—far from their declared contents.

The seized goods were presented to the media alongside Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Carlos Carag, highlighting strengthened inter-agency coordination.

Subic District Collector Noel Estanislao said stricter border monitoring will be enforced to prevent the entry of illegal agricultural products.

The shipment was found in violation of provisions under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, as well as the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009 and the Food Safety Act of 2013.

The BOC reaffirmed its commitment under its Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization Program to safeguard public health and curb smuggling activities amid ongoing concerns over food safety and the economic impact of illegal imports on local farmers.