Intelligence agents of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have confiscated around P900 million worth of smuggled imported cigarettes and other general merchandise following a surprise inspection on several warehouses in Plaridel, Bulacan.
BOC Commissioner Bien Rubio said assorted merchandise seized were found to be counterfeit, which is in violation of the intellectual property rights (IPR).
An agent of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) of the Bureau of Customs inspects the smuggled goods that were seized in one of the warehouses in Plaridel, Bulacan. (photo: BOC)
He said the operation stemmed from the information received by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) about smuggled goods hidden in some warehouses in Plaridel town.
Rubio immediately issued a Letter of Authority (LOA) and Mission Order (MO) which resulted in the confiscation of the smuggled goods on Friday, May 26-- the illicit cigarettes found already amounted to P50 million.
“The team inspected the warehouses and found to contain imported illicit cigarettes, and other imported general merchandise, housewares, kitchenwares, and IPR-infringing goods,” said Rubio.
The operation was backed by agents from the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) and the personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
CIIS-MICP chief Alvin Enciso, who led the operation, said the confiscated goods were found to be from China and were estimated to be worth around P900 million.
“Our team showed the LOA to the warehouse representatives and they proceeded with the inspection after it was acknowledged. The warehouses now have temporary padlocks and seals,” said Enciso.
An agent of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) of the Bureau of Customs and a personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard inspect the smuggled goods that were seized in one of the warehouses in Plaridel, Bulacan. (photo: BOC)
Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy lauded the operation, saying this wouldn’t be possible without the proper coordination from respective government agencies.
“This operation shows what we can achieve with proper coordination between BOC and key government agencies,” he said.
“More than anything else, this shows what we’ve been saying all along, that the bureau will not stop its anti-smuggling drive against agricultural products and illicit cigarettes,” Uy added.
The owners of the goods would be asked to present importation documents or proof of payment by the Customs authorities.
If found without proper documents, the corresponding seizure and forfeiture proceedings will be conducted against the subject shipments for violation of Sec. 1400 (misdeclaration in goods declaration) in relation to Sec. 1113 (property subject to seizure and forfeiture) of Republic Act No. 10863 known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).