MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs in Cagayan de Oro (BOC-CDO) has seized P7.5 million worth of mosquito coils from China after its importers failed to show a permit from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“Since the imported product was not backed by an FDA permit…these mosquito coils could pose serious health hazards,” said BOC-CDO Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service officer-in-charge Alvin Enciso.
He said the mosquito coils had no markings bearing the brand and emitted a foul smell.
The 5,900 boxes of mosquito coils, which were in five shipping containers, were consigned to Starling Trading in Barangay 22 in Cagayan de Oro City.
Enciso said four containers arrived at the Mindanao Container Terminal in Misamis Oriental last month and one on Jan. 12.
Intelligence Group deputy commissioner Jessie Dellosa issued an alert order for the shipment on Jan. 18.
CDO port collector Ruby Claudia Alameda is set to issue a warrant of seizure and detention for the cargo.