Foul smell led to P100-M frozen goods behind fake walls

Over P100 million pesos worth of frozen goods were discovered in a warehouse converted into cold storage facilities and hidden behind fake walls in Kawit, Cavite. 

According to Marisol Abdurahman's report on "24 Oras," authorities discovered meat and fish like lapu-lapu covered with sacks.

"Clear violation of food safety, it does not have Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances (SPSIC) so it's a clear violation of Food Safety Act," said Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa. 

The cold storage facilities were not immediately visible as they were hidden behind fake walls. However, authorities were led to their target by the foul smell of some of the products.

"Hinahanap namin saan naggagaling, hindi naman namin makita kasi sarado siya. E masangsang talaga so nung binuksan nila 'yon, may isang kahon na isda na nabubulok," Major Joel Pinawin, Field Station Chief, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service of Port of Manila. 

In a separate storage facility, authorities also seized frozen peking duck, which are banned in the country.  There were also frozen dim sum and vegetables inside the two-story storage building. 

"Bacon, may mga pata ng baboy, dito sa ilalim mga beef ribs. So makikita din natin na basta nalang isinalansan," said De Mesa. 

A total of 10 storage facilities were discovered inside the warehouse. 

The Bureau of Customs said the frozen goods were imported from Hong Kong and China. 

The bureau added it would recommend a warrant of seizure of the warehouse. 

It is still unknown where the other items from the warehouse were brought, which according to the department may be harmful to health.

"Kung hindi natin tiyak tiyak ang kaligtasan hindi natin dapat ito ilabas sa merkado," said De Mesa. 

The owners of the cold storage facilities will face corresponding complaints.  They have yet to show up in the warehouse.

"Pagkakaalam ko iba na may-ari nito, hindi ko lang alam sino," said an employee. —LDF, GMA Integrated News