Customs seize P3 billion worth smuggled goods in Tondo

November 20, 2017

An estimated P3 billion worth of smuggled counterfeit cosmetic products, perfumes, and other merchandise were seized late Monday afternoon by the agents of the Bureau of Customs in Tondo, Manila.

Armed with a letter of authority issued by Customs chief Isidro Lapena, operatives from the agency’s Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) confiscated hundreds of boxes of counterfeit goods inside units 8-A, 10-A, 10-B, 18-C, and 18-D, Vicente Tower at Tondo.

In a statement Monday, Lapena said the operation stemmed from investigation by Customs agents and surveillance has been conducted three weeks prior to the raid.

Upon investigation, a certain Justine Lim was identified as the unit owner as well as the owner of the counterfeit goods.

No arrest was made, as the alleged owner of the units was not in the premises.

The goods are said to originate from China based on the findings of Customs personnel from the Intellectual Property Rights Division.

Counterfeit goods are classified as prohibited under the Republic Act No. 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

An investigation is being done in relation to the importer’s violation of Section 118 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. DMS