BOC seeks lookout order vs 13 persons over misdeclared onion, carrot shipments

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The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has requested an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against 13 individuals over their alleged involvement in the unlawful importation of onions and carrots misdeclared as “chicken lollipops.”

In a press release on Tuesday, the BOC said the ILBO request followed the filing of criminal complaints with the Department of Justice over six shipments consigned to Berches Trading.

Authorities found that the shipments declared as “chicken lollipops” actually contained thousands of sacks of fresh onions and boxes of carrots imported without the required regulatory clearances.

“We will use every legal measure available to hold accountable all those responsible. Anyone who enables, facilitates, or takes part in smuggling will have to answer for it. We will pursue these cases wherever the evidence leads,” BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.

The ILBO request covers the importer’s owner and representatives, its licensed customs broker, and nine BOC officials and employees allegedly linked to the shipments.

The BOC said the request would allow the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to monitor the subjects’ international travel to ensure they remain available for ongoing investigations and subsequent legal proceedings, subject to applicable laws and regulations.

The BOC also requested that if other individuals connected to the cases are identified during the ongoing investigation, a supplemental list be furnished to the BI for appropriate action.

The agency said it would continue to conduct operations and pursue administrative and legal actions against agricultural smuggling, both in the private sector and within the BOC.— MCG, GMA News