Intelligence and investigation agents of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized more than P150 million worth of fake apparel and other items following an inspection on a warehouse in Imus, Cavite on Thursday, Dec. 15.

BOC Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz said the operation conducted by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) stemmed from confirmed information about alleged counterfeit apparel, appliances and other general merchandise in a Cavite warehouse.,

Armed with a Letter of Authority signed by Ruiz and backed by barangay officials and local police force, a team of CIIS-MICP agents then went to the Hong Yun Real Estate Group, Inc. M. Salud Road, Alapan II-A, Imus, Cavite to inspect the contents 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.

“The implementation of this operation comes with reinforcement from different departments. It was also made possible by 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,” said Ruiz.

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

Customs Deputy Commissioner retired Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy said the CIIS-MICP team politely discussed with the warehouse's representatives and security officers why LOA was issued.

“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.

For his part, CIIS Director Jeoffrey Tacio lauded the Customs team, which 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,” said Tacio.

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