In a sweeping crackdown right before the Holy Week, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) seized more than P7.3-billion worth of counterfeit goods, including socks and underwear from international brands.
Agents from the CIIS-MICP recovered the items during two simultaneous raids of warehouses in Caloocan City and Bocaue, Bulacan last Wednesday, March 20. Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio hailed the operation as a major blow against the smuggling industry.
“At the core of our mission is the protection of Filipinos and ensuring the safety of imported goods, so it is necessary for our agency to stop these items from hitting the shelves and victimizing people,” Rubio said in a news release emailed Sunday, March 24.
Customs Intelligence and Investigation Director Verne Enciso detailed the findings, citing the discovery of 3,500 bales of counterfeit underwear and socks bearing popular brands like Nike, Jordan, Under Armour, Bench, Levi’s, Mossimo and Gucci, valued at P4.3 billion in Caloocan City.
Another P70 million came from the inspection of other warehouses in the compound that yielded women’s sandals, speakers, foodstuff, industrial pipe fittings, and sanitary kitchen wares.
The raid extended to warehouses in Bocaue, Bulacan, where various items totaling P3 billion were confiscated. These include kitchenware products, appliances, apparel, toys, computer accessories, cosmetics, and other types of general merchandise.
Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy underscored the agency’s determination to combat smuggling, emphasizing the importance of stringent enforcement measures. The owners of the seized goods will be required to present importation documents and proof of payment by Customs authorities.
“Seeing the different ways these groups try to circumvent our laws further solidifies our resolve to keep our officers highly trained and skilled to respond to the demands of our mandate. The fight against smuggling is bigger than ever but the BOC has time-tested sources, robust enforcement posture, and technology to stem the tide of these activities,” Uy said.