THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, raided a warehouse in Imus, Cavite and found an estimated P150 million worth of fake apparel, appliances, and general merchandise.

Armed with a Letter of Authority (LOA) signed by Customs Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz, a team from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) proceeded to Hong Yun Real Estate Group, Inc. M. Salud Road, Alapan II-A, Imus, Cavite to inspect the contents of the warehouse.

“The implementation of this operation comes with reinforcement from different departments. It was also made possible by the coordination with the police and local barangay officials. This is what it means to work with one goal in mind, which is to put a stop to this menace,” he said.

“From top to bottom, we are united in our aim to see our markets free from these contrabands as well smuggled fake products,” the commissioner added.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and local barangay officials were notified of the implementation of the LOA. They then assisted the operative team to the location of the warehouse.

The Customs agents found ready-to-wear garments from brands such as Dickies, Mossimo, Bench, Levi’s, Puma, Fila, Mickey Mouse, Hello Kitty, and others, as well as appliances and general merchandise.

Customs Deputy Commissioner retired Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy assured that the LOA was discussed with the warehouse’s representative and to the security guard on duty who acknowledged it before the team proceeded with the inspection.

“Following the proper process is critical in every operation by the BOC. Remember that behind these are big-time organizations used to circumventing the laws, whether here or somewhere else.

We have always been careful with making sure cases like these won’t be dismissed because of the lack of due process,” Uy explained.

After the inspection, assigned Customs examiners will do an inventory of the counterfeit items found in the warehouse.

This would be witnessed by CIIS-MICP agents, as well as the representatives of the warehouse.

CIIS Director Jeoffrey Tacio wants to give credits to the Customs team, who he said had been behind every successful operation this past year.

“You know, everyone’s mind is already on the upcoming holidays but our team here is still out there doing the job that they swore to do. That’s how dedicated they are to protecting our markets, the sellers themselves, and the consumers,” he said.

BOC has intensified its campaign against smuggling following the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.