P841-M fake goods confiscated

THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) has seized P841 million worth of suspected counterfeit goods from a warehouse in Valenzuela, including perfumes and lotions bearing international brands.

“The operation stemmed from derogatory information regarding the alleged storage of illicit goods in a warehouse in Valenzuela,” the agency said in a statement on Thursday.

“Upon receipt of the intelligence report, an enforcement team led by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service conducted surveillance and on-site validation,” it added.

The operation, which was conducted last month, led to the discovery of 1,460 boxes of perfumes and 364 boxes of lotions bearing marks of international brands such as Jo Malone, Versace, and Cetaphil, among others.

The goods were found to be in violation of the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

“The warehouse was sealed and secured by customs personnel with the assistance of the Philippine Coast Guard, for further investigation. A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was likewise issued on April 28,” the BoC said.

Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno reiterated the agency’s commitment to sustain border protection and proactive enforcement against smuggling.

“These unlawful activities distort fair competition and that its enforcement efforts remain focused on protecting legitimate trade and disrupting illicit supply chains,” the BoC said.

“The operation likewise underscores the BoC’s sustained enforcement efforts in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to intensify the campaign against illicit trade and strengthen border protection,” it added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile