Customs seize frozen chicken containers

One of the three 40-foot containers being emptied of the frozen chicken cartons (Image: Supplied)

Papua New Guinea Customs Services has confiscated three 40-foot containers of frozen chicken after a foreign company attempted to import the goods under a false declaration.

Acting on intelligence reports, Police and Customs officers searched the company’s premises in Moresby North East yesterday and discovered the undeclared poultry products wrapped in plastic and bags.

PNG Customs Commissioner David Towe confirmed the incident, telling NBC News that the destruction of the seized goods began immediately.

“Our team started destroying the products yesterday, and this will continue today,” Mr Towe said.

Frozen chicken packaging was dumped into a dug-out hole before being burned. (Image: Supplied)

He explained that the company’s false paperwork had initially allowed the cargo to pass through ICT clearance systems, but intelligence later revealed the true nature of the shipment.

“The company made a false declaration, and it was through intelligence information that we uncovered what they were really importing,” he stated.

Mr Towe stressed that the case exposes how some foreign companies are undermining PNG’s customs laws.

“This incident shows the lengths certain foreign companies will go to bypass our laws. The prosecution of this company and its owners will shed light on the penalties for such crimes,” he warned.

Meanwhile, two additional containers remain locked at the Hi Lift Logistics yard, where authorities are preparing further inspections and investigations.