Gov't seizes P2 B smuggled agri-fishery goods

Combined operatives from several regulatory agencies have seized over P2 billion worth of smuggled agricultural and fishery products since January, according to the Department of Agriculture.

- By BRIX LELIS

Felicisimo Madayag, special assistant to the DA Assistant Secretary for Inspectorate and Enforcement, told reporters yesterday that rice has been the most smuggled agricultural product this year.

Other illegally imported goods into the country include meat, fish, vegetables and fruits, although he did not provide the volume of these items.

The DA, Madayag said, has intensified efforts to crack down on smuggling and hoarding in order to protect stakeholders while ensuring food safety and security in the country.

"When we talk about food safety, we don't know if the goods coming in are fit for human consumption, so the DA must monitor that," he said.