The Department of Agriculture’s Inspectorate and Enforcement (DAIE) unit ramped up its efforts last year to combat the smuggling of agricultural commodities. Through 71 operations, the unit successfully seized goods valued at P2.83 billion, almost a billion more than the total in 2023.
In a report to Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., the DAIE, led by Undersecretary Carlos Carag, revealed that the largest single seizure occurred during the first border inspection of imported rice, valued at a total P1.9 billion. Fisheries products followed with seizures worth a total P316.4 million.
“Last year’s operations exposed regulatory loopholes we need to address and procedures that must be streamlined to stamp out smuggling of agricultural products,” said Agriculture Secretary Tiu Laurel. He noted that the recent passage of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act provides the DA with additional tools to combat smuggling, which undermines farmers’ livelihoods and threatens public health.
The agriculture chief also underscored his commitment to enhancing the DAIE’s capabilities, adding that the appointment of Carag as undersecretary signals the DA’s firm stance on cracking down on unscrupulous importers and traders.
Among the notable operations, 11 inspections conducted between January 19 and June 5 uncovered thousands of tons of undervalued imported rice. The importer had made several shipments during five-month period that reached 32,825 metric tons of rice, leading to a tax assessment requiring the payment of P285.3 million in taxes and tariffs.
In all its efforts, the DAIE either seeks the assistance of other DA agencies such the Bureau of Plant Industry, Bureau of Animal Industry, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
Other significant operations included preventing the recycling of 90.2 metric tons of condemned meat, valued at P74.9 million, for use as fish meal. In Santa Maria, Bulacan, the DAIE oversaw the condemnation of P102.2 million worth of confiscated Chinese frozen food and black chicken.
In September, a cooperative effort in Subic resulted in the confiscation of P115 million worth of white onions and P8.4 million worth of cigarettes. In November, inspections at the Port of Manila led to the seizure of frozen mackerel valued at P178.5 million. After testing confirmed the fish were fit for human consumption, they were donated to victims of Typhoon Kristine.
Meantime, a second border inspection in May of unlicensed cold storage facilities in Kawit, Cavite, yielded 99.9 metric tons of contraband meat and other products valued at P100 million. In Navotas, two cold storage facilities contained P35.9 million worth of white onions, P13.5 million worth of carrots, and P44,000 worth of tomatoes and mushrooms. A raid in Marilao, Bulacan, uncovered smuggled goods, including rotten onions and garlic, pigeon meat, and frozen bullfrogs, valued at P100 million.
Agricultural smuggling interdictions and cold storage inspections conducted by DAIE in 2023 led to the seizure of agri-fishery products worth an estimated P1.87 billion. DAIE also filed 57 complaints related to these operations across provinces such as Bataan, Bulacan, Batangas, Manila, and Navotas.
In the first two months of 2025, the DAIE, in collaboration with the Bureau of Customs and other agencies, seized P162.7 million worth of illegal agri-fishery products from various entry points, including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila International Container Port, and Subic Bay International Terminal.
Inspections of cold storage facilities in Caloocan, Navotas, and Bulacan between January and February uncovered several violations, including expired agricultural products and unlabeled boxes. A total of 33 metric tons of meat valued at P6.45 million were confiscated for disposal, while P152,000 worth of frozen fish were seized in Batangas City.
These operations reflect the DA’s ongoing commitment to protecting the country’s agricultural sector, safeguarding public health, and ensuring fair trade practices. ###
