MANILA -- Hundreds of boxes of fake apparel and shoes estimated to be worth PHP521.93 million were seized on Thursday by agents of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Pasay City.
The operation conducted by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service and Enforcement (CIIS) and Security Service (ESS) uncovered the counterfeit goods such as Lee, Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and Vans, including fake fitflop, and Crocs sandals stored inside the ten units of Warehouse 142 at Cuneta Avenue in the said City.
Also seized are non-branded watches and comfort shoes without the required import permit.
The items reportedly came from China.
According to Deputy Commissioner Ricardo Quinto of Intelligence Group, the raiding team acted on the report from a concerned citizen that fake products are stored in a warehouse in Pasay City.
Armed with Letter of Authority issued by Commissioner Isidro Lapeña, they proceeded with the operation together with the Pasay City police.
Officials and representatives from the BOC-Intellectual Property Rights Division and Formal Entry Division examiners were also present during the inspection.
BOC agents identified the warehouse administrator as Lita Liao, the latter said that the units were leased to certain Mr. Ang, Mr. Gee, and Mr. Ty.
No one was arrested because the unit owners were not present when the raid was conducted. They would be charged with violation Section 118 (f) of Customs Modernization and Tariff Act in relation to Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code.
"The raid was part of BOC’s continued operations against all forms of smuggling of counterfeit goods to protect the consumers and the legitimate business community in general," said Lapeña in a statement. (PNA)
