MANILA — The Bureau of Customs on Tuesday inspected a shipment of smuggled pharmaceutical products and other goods valued at ₱53 million at the Manila International Container Port.

Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno led the inspection. The shipment, originating from China, was declared as containing 1,144 pet cages, but a spot check revealed undeclared medicines. The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service – MICP recommended a 100% physical examination.

The inspection uncovered 336 boxes of pharmaceutical products valued at ₱33.367 million, along with 406 boxes of other goods—including electronics, cosmetics, automotive parts, hardware, and accessories—worth ₱19.692 million. None of the pharmaceutical items had the required permits from the Food and Drug Administration.

The seizure constitutes violations of Section 1400 (Misdeclaration in Goods Declaration) in relation to Section 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and Republic Act No. 9711, the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009.

“Our sustained intelligence and enforcement operations are driven by our commitment to safeguarding public safety and advancing the welfare of the nation. We will not allow illicit trade to undermine the safety of our people or the integrity of our economy,” Nepomuceno said.

“Gusto ko lang linawin sa mga nagbabalak magpuslit ng ilegal na produkto sa bansa na sisiguruhin ko at ng BOC na lahat ng responsable sa ganitong uri ng aktibidad ay mapapanagot,” he added.

Nepomuceno said the operation aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen border protection and anti-smuggling measures.

MICP District Collector Felipe Geoffrey K. De Vera confirmed the port will maintain heightened vigilance to support intensified anti-smuggling efforts.

Also present during the inspection were Atty. Franklin Anthony M. Tabaquin IV, Officer-in-Charge of the FDA’s Field Regulatory Operations, and representatives from Unilab Inc.

The BOC said it will continue to enhance intelligence-driven operations to prevent smuggling, protect public health, and ensure fair trade nationwide.