MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Aug. 29, 2014) – The Philippines seized 288 tons of oranges illegally shipped here from South Africa after its consignees failed to show proper documents to Custom authorities, officials said Friday.
Officials said the fruits arrived at the Manila International Container Port in ten 40-footer container vans which came from Cape Town. The shipments, according to the Bureau of Customs, would be forfeited in favor of the government.
The Bureau of Plant Industry and the Department of Agriculture earlier asked the Bureau of Customs not to release any shipment of agricultural products from Africa without prior clearance due to health concerns.
Importing fruits without the proper permits is a violation of Quarantine Law.
Officials said four other shipments of contraband oranges from South Africa have been placed under alert by the Bureau of Customs in the ports of Manila, and Davao.
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