MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have seized more than P7 million worth of smuggled fresh carrots concealed in shipments falsely declared as processed food products, in an operation authorities said is part of efforts to curb agricultural smuggling that harms both consumers and local farmers.

The discovery was made during a joint inspection conducted by the DA’s Inspectorate and Enforcement Office (DA-IE), the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and the BOC at the Port of Manila.

Authorities said a total of 12,909 boxes of fresh carrots, valued at over P7 million, were found hidden behind cartons of egg noodles inside four container shipments that arrived on March 22 and March 25, 2026. The shipments were consigned to a single importer.

The cargo had been declared as assorted food products, including egg noodles, flat noodles, soya wrappers, fish tofu, and wakame salad, but inspectors later uncovered undeclared vegetables during a physical examination.

The operation was led by DA Assistant Secretary for Inspectorate, Enforcement and Legal Service Willie Ann Angsiy, along with BPI Assistant Director Ruel Gesmundo and customs officials.

Inspectors also found that a significant portion of the seized carrots had already spoiled, showing signs of mold, decay, and root damage. Authorities said the condition made the vegetables unfit for human consumption and underscored health risks linked to illegally imported agricultural goods that bypass quarantine and inspection procedures.

Agriculture officials also warned that smuggled vegetables could hurt local farmers by driving down market prices and creating unfair competition.

“Kung lumabas ito sa market, mas maibebenta nila ng mas mura, which means mapapatay nila ang negosyo ng ating local farmers o posibleng hindi na makabenta ang local farmers dahil mas mura itong smuggled. Hindi makakapag-compete ang farmers natin kasi una, wala silang binabayarang duties,” Angsiy said.

Officials added that smugglers gain an advantage by evading import duties, taxes, and regulatory requirements, allowing them to sell goods at lower prices than legitimate traders and local producers.

The shipments were forfeited in favor of the government for violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

The DA and BPI are also preparing charges under food safety and agricultural laws against those responsible. Authorities said they will blacklist the consignee from future imports and continue profiling individuals and entities linked to the shipment.

They also said the licenses, registrations, and accreditations of those involved will be revoked.

Authorities said the seizure highlights the government’s intensified campaign against agricultural smuggling as it steps up enforcement to protect consumers and safeguard Filipino farmers’ livelihoods from illicit imports.