NBI agents inspect the seized cosmetic productsm vitamins and supplements.
BOC raid in Valenzuela yields illegal cosmetic products
A TEAM composed of Bureau of Customs- Manila International Container Port (BOC-MICP) agents seized imported cosmetic products, vitamins, and supplements without approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at a warehouse in Valenzuela City on Friday, October 1, 2021.
The Bureau is still determining the market value of the goods. The operation was made possible in coordination with the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
With a Letter of Authority (LOA) from Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, the team from CIIS, PCG, and NBI were briefed at RD Emeterio Dongallo’s office at Special Projects Task Force at NBI HQ. V-Tech Tower at Araneta Avenue, Quezon City before proceeding to the warehouse.
They arrived at the warehouse’s location at #8 Malakas St., Corner Santiago St., Valenzuela City at 8:40 p.m, The BOC agents presented and explained the LOA to the representative of the warehouse, after which they inspected the warehouse and found imported cosmetic products, vitamins, and supplements without the required FDA permits.
According to the Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group of BOC, Raniel T. Ramiro, goods were hauled to the BOC premises at midnight of the same day since these will be subjected to further inspection and will be recommended for issuance of Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD).
The seizure and forfeiture proceedings to which the goods will be subjected are under Section 1113 for violation of Section 117 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
The latest operation against these cosmetic and health products is in line with the Bureau’s mandate of securing the country’s borders against the entry of illegal goods.
“We’re already in the middle of the pandemic and our economy and people are suffering. I think the Bureau has one of the biggest roles in helping protect the economy. When we stop these illegal goods from entering the market, we are ensuring the protection of our local businesses, especially those who are already struggling because of COVID,” Commissioner Guerrero stressed.
