AN estimated P1.5 million worth of illegal “ukay-ukay” goods were confiscated by agents of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Tagbilaran City in Bohol province last Thursday, PNP-CIDG director Maj. Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III said yesterday.

“This is in line with the directive of PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil for us to intensify our campaign against all forms of criminality, economic sabotage and violation of consumer protection laws,” said the official.

Torre said that last Thursday, the CIDG Bohol Provincial Field Unit, in coordination with the local police, served a search warrant for violation of Republic Act 4653 or An Act to Safeguard the Health of the People and Maintain the Dignity of the Nation by Declaring it a National Policy to Prohibit the Commercial Importation of Textile Articles Commonly Known as Used Clothing and Rags in Purok 5, Bgy. Taloto in Tagbilaran City.

The operation led to the arrest of one suspect identified only through her alias “Chrislyn” after she was caught engaging in the illegal trade of imported used clothings commonly known as “ukay-ukay” without the proper documents.

Seized during the raid were 86 bundles and 75 sacks of assorted “ukay-ukay” clothing and footwear products valued at P1.5 million.

The arrested suspect was charged before the National Prosecution Service with violation of RA 4653 for selling and distributing imported “ukay-ukay” goods without proper documents.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon