In an intensified crackdown against counterfeit imported goods, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized more than P7.3 billion worth of smuggled fake products bearing signature brands during a series of raids conducted in Caloocan City and Bocaue, Bulacan.
Agents from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) on Wednesday swooped down on warehouses in the two areas and confiscated huge volumes of imitation items.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio hailed the operation as a major blow against smuggling.
“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.
Customs Intelligence and Investigation director Verne Enciso took stock of the seizures, citing the discovery of 3,500 bales of counterfeit underwear and socks bearing popular brands and valued at P4.3 billion in Caloocan.
Another seizure of bogus products worth P70 million was made from other warehouses in the compound, consisting of women’s sandals, speakers, foodstuff, industrial pipe fittings, sanitary goods, and kitchen items.
The raiding teams also discovered some P3 billion worth of smuggled goods such as kitchenware, appliances, clothes, toys, computer accessories, and cosmetics in various warehouses in Bocaue.
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 tax payments 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.