In a major crackdown on illegal trade, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have uncovered a warehouse in Kawit harboring an estimated ₱100 million worth of smuggled meats.

The joint operation revealed that what appeared to be a standard delivery warehouse was, in fact, a hub for illicit goods.

Upon further investigation, authorities discovered smuggled pork, chicken, Peking duck, fish, and dumplings believed to be imported from Hong Kong and China.

According to BOC officials, the facility served as a primary drop-off point for frozen meats and goods distributed across Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.

This seizure underscores the ongoing battle against smuggling operations that undermine local industries and pose health risks to consumers due to potential unregulated food products, BOC said.

The DA and BOC are intensifying their efforts to clamp down on these illegal activities to protect local farmers and ensure food safety standards are upheld, a statement said.