Various bags and food items believed to be counterfeit worth P15 million were discovered in a warehouse in Meycauayan, Bulacan, the Bureau of Customs said Friday.
Imported alcoholic beverages were also found stored in the private warehouse in Pajo, Meycauayan during an inspection conducted by the Manila International Container Port’s (MICP) intelligence and enforcement teams.
Armed with a letter of authority signed by Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero, the team from Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, Enforcement and Security Service, Philippine Coast Guard, and the National Bureau of Investigation proceeded to the warehouse on Dec. 10 and discovered that the facility was storing imported alcoholic beverages and suspected counterfeit products such as bags and other food items.
The warehouse has been sealed and placed under Customs custody as further inventory and investigation were conducted.
Individuals involved may face charges for violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), as well as related Intellectual Property Laws (IPL) for importing counterfeit products.
MICP District Collector Romeo Allan Rosales said the operation is part of the bureau’s effort to combat smuggling and proliferation of counterfeit goods.
Rosales also warned erring importers to refrain from importing fake and counterfeit goods.
The district collector also reminded the public to stop patronizing fake goods, especially those which are sold for human consumption such as food items and body products, as these may have harmful effects to the body.
MICP, as the country’s largest port, through its intelligence and enforcement team, remains committed in curbing smuggling and the entry of fake and counterfeit goods in line with the Commissioner’s drive to strengthen border protection in the country.