A composite team of government agents on Thursday raided a warehouse in Imus, Cavite and took stock of some P150 million worth of imitation apparels, appliances, and other items.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) foiled an attempt to smuggle into the country through the Manila International Container Port (MICP) agricultural products worth over P11.5 million.
Armed with a mission order or Letter of Authority (LOA) signed by Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz, the raiding team from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service – Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) swooped on the warehouse of the Hong Yun Real Estate Group, Inc. on M. Salud Road, Alapan II-A, Imus, Cavite.
“The implementation of this operation comes with reinforcement from different departments. It was also made possible by the coordination with the police and local barangay officials. This is what it means to work with one goal in mind, which is to put a stop to this menace,” Ruiz said.
“From top to bottom, we are united in our aim to see our markets free from these contrabands as well smuggled fake products,” he added.
The Philippine National Police and local barangay officials who were notified of the impending raid assisted in the operation.
The raiders discovered bogus apparels bearing prominent brands, as well as appliances and other products.
Customs Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy hinted that the raiders meticulously followed procedures to avoid unwanted issues and concerns.
“Following the proper process is critical in every operation by the BOC. Remember that behind these are big-time organizations used to circumventing the laws, whether here or somewhere else. We have always been careful with making sure cases like these won’t be dismissed because of the lack of due process,” Uy explained.
After the inspection, assigned Customs examiners will do an inventory of the counterfeit items found in the warehouse.
The illegal shipments from China were found to contain agricultural products, frozen tofu, chicken feet, boneless beef, Vietnamese suckling pig, beancurd skin, fresh white onions, frozen fish tofu, and frozen beef cheek meat.
Ruiz said importation of agricultural and meat products requires permits from the Department of Agriculture.
The seized shipments, consigned to Victory JM Enterprise OPC, arrived at the MICP from China.
The BOC issued a seized order after customs and DA officials confirmed that the shipments were misdeclared to avoid paying right duties and taxes.
The importer-consignee will face smuggling charges for violating the importation of agricultural products without the necessary permits from the DA.