BOC seizes P316M illegal goods
AS part of the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) intensified anti-smuggling campaign, a coordinated operation was launched on May 7, 2021 by members of the Manila International Container Port’s (MICP) and the Port of Manila’s (POM) Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS).
Under the directive of Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, the composite team proceeded to various locations armed with Letters of Authority (LOA).
The team proceeded to inspect the various storage facilities which resulted to the discovery of various illegal and IP infringing items estimated to have a total amount of P316 million.
The first team proceeded to a storage facility located in Navotas City and discovered smuggled frozed meat, peking duck and black duck. The items were estimated to have a value of P16 million.
The second team operated and inspected storage facilities in Pasay City and discovered IP infringing clothing such as those with brands like Nike, Lacoste, Jag, Louis Vitton, Jordan, Crocs, Adidas, Havianas, Disney, Frozen, Hello Kitty, Tribal, Dickies, Mossimo, Levi’s, Petrol, Gap, Fila, Uniqlo, Lee, Puma, DC , and Marvel. The items were estimated to have a value of P300 Million.
The items are currently undergoing further inventory and investigation for possible violation of Section 1400 of RA 10863 also known as the Customs Modernization and Tarrif Act (CMTA) as well as other relevant intellectual property laws of the Philippines.
BOC Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero said the Bureau shall continue to pursue unscrupulous individuals as he reiterated that the BOC will support legitimate businesses who pay proper duties and taxes.
