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Advocates Philippines
BOC Cracks Down On Smuggled Mackerel Disguised As Fried Taro - Here's What Went Down
Photo credit: BOC
Looks like smugglers are getting craftier—but so is the Bureau of Customs (BOC). Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, alongside Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. and District Collector Alexander Gerard E. Alviar, recently inspected 19 massive containers of frozen mackerel at the Port of Manila (POM). The catch? These weren’t declared as fish but as frozen fried taro.
How It All Unfolded
The shipment, which arrived from China, was flagged on January 20, 2025, after the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS-POM) and the Plant Quarantine Service-Bureau of Plant Industry (PQS-BPI) raised concerns about its compliance with agricultural import regulations. That prompted a request for an intrusive and non-intrusive examination—essentially, a closer look at what was really inside.
Fast forward to February 13, and the Office of the District Collector issued an alert order, meaning the shipment was officially under investigation. Just a few days later, on February 18 and 19, authorities physically examined the cargo. And sure enough, instead of taro, they found frozen mackerel packed inside—leading District Collector Alviar to issue a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) on the spot.
Why This Matters
This is more than just a case of mislabeled fish—it’s part of a bigger fight against agricultural smuggling. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has been vocal about cracking down on these illegal activities, which threaten local farmers and mess with market prices. The BOC is doubling down on efforts to prevent smuggled goods from slipping through and ensure that only properly declared, regulated products enter the country.
Commissioner Rubio praised the joint efforts of the BOC, DA, and other regulatory bodies, saying these collaborations are key to stopping smugglers in their tracks.
The takeaway? If you’re trying to sneak in illegal shipments under false labels, the BOC is watching—and they’re not messing around.
How It All Unfolded
The shipment, which arrived from China, was flagged on January 20, 2025, after the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS-POM) and the Plant Quarantine Service-Bureau of Plant Industry (PQS-BPI) raised concerns about its compliance with agricultural import regulations. That prompted a request for an intrusive and non-intrusive examination—essentially, a closer look at what was really inside.
Fast forward to February 13, and the Office of the District Collector issued an alert order, meaning the shipment was officially under investigation. Just a few days later, on February 18 and 19, authorities physically examined the cargo. And sure enough, instead of taro, they found frozen mackerel packed inside—leading District Collector Alviar to issue a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) on the spot.
Why This Matters
This is more than just a case of mislabeled fish—it’s part of a bigger fight against agricultural smuggling. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has been vocal about cracking down on these illegal activities, which threaten local farmers and mess with market prices. The BOC is doubling down on efforts to prevent smuggled goods from slipping through and ensure that only properly declared, regulated products enter the country.
Commissioner Rubio praised the joint efforts of the BOC, DA, and other regulatory bodies, saying these collaborations are key to stopping smugglers in their tracks.
The takeaway? If you’re trying to sneak in illegal shipments under false labels, the BOC is watching—and they’re not messing around.
Mar 3, 2025
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