DA, BOC joint raid in Cavite warehouse yields P100 million worth of frozen meat and other agri commodities

Representatives from the Food Safety Regulatory Agencies of the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Customs conducted a follow-up inspection of the Vigour Global Logistic Corp. in Kawit, Cavite on June 14.

The properly, first raided on May 31, revealed illegal activities within the premises.

The composite team discovered that the warehouse leased by Vigour Global had been converted into cold storage facilities to conceal a large volume of frozen, regulated meat products, and other commodities.

The post-operation report to Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. and the DA Inspectorate and Enforcement office showed that 10 cold storage facilities were found concealed behind a false wall, obstructed by a van. Upon dismantling the false wall, the composite team uncovered cold storage rooms stocked with various items, including assorted meatballs, shabu-shabu items, beef and pork, chicken wings, siomai, assorted fish, pork belly, boneless pork, beef and Peking ducks.

“This should serve as a stern warning to unscrupulous traders that we will not stop in going after these illicit activities. We want to ensure that our farmers are not disadvantaged by these unfair and often illegal trade practices,” said Sec. Tiu Laurel.

The inventory of seized items in the Cavite storage facilities total 98,000 kilograms, with a current market value of at least P100 million.

Upon inspection by the Bureau of Animal Industry and the National Meat Inspection Service, it was determined that some of the frozen food products were unsuitable for human consumption, constituting a clear violation of Republic Act No. 10611, also known as the Food Safety Act of 2013. This act could be construed as a breach of revenue laws or an attempt to evade tax payments, dues, and other fees. ###