The Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Inspectorate and Enforcement (DA-IE), together with the National Meat inspection Service (NMIS) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), conducted a joint anti-smuggling operation and food safety inspection in Dasmariñas City, Cavite on September 27, 2023.

During the operation, the team discovered two unregistered cold storages and five refrigerated vans at the Kadiwa wet market, that were reportedly storing and selling Indian Buffalo Meat (IBM) in various locations in Dasmariñas City. 

The inspection yielded 1,714.1 kilos of IBM with an estimated amount of at least Php 445,666.00. The confiscated items will be brought to NMIS Region IV-A facility for immediate condemnation.

In line with this, Assistant Secretary for DA-IE James A. Layug encouraged the public to continue the reports of suspicious activities and coordinate with the Department to help achieve food security.

The initiative is part of the government’s drive to combat agricultural smuggling, under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ###