Simultaneous operations by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) uncovered counterfeit underwear, hardware products, and various other items in Caloocan City and Bocaue, Bulacan last week.

The BOC Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) reported the discovery of approximately P7.37 billion worth of illicit goods last Wednesday, March 20.

These illicit items include infringed underwear, household items, kitchenware, hardware materials, toys, and appliances.

In a statement, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said that this operation marks a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to eliminate the influx of smuggled goods in the country completely.

“While we understand that there is a brazen attempt to smuggle in such large amount of infringed goods and other items, we are also confident that we are doing the necessary actions needed to address these activities,” Rubio said.

During the operation in Caloocan City, authorities discovered 3,500 bales of counterfeit underwear and socks bearing popular brands with an estimated value of P4.3 billion.

Further investigations of other warehouses also revealed additional illicit goods totaling P70 million, including women's sandals, speakers, food items, industrial pipe fittings, and sanitary kitchenware.

Another operation in warehouses in Bocaue, Bulacan also led to the discovery of various items amounting to P3 billion.

These goods include kitchenwares, liquid detergents, playing cards, hardware materials, appliances, clothing apparel, toys, computer accessories, gadgets, cosmetics, school supplies, plastic wares, power tools, mosquito coils, swimming vest and pools, toys, scented candles, party materials, skate boards and piggy banks, cash box, tents, and other general merchandise.

The owners of the goods would be asked to present importation documents or proof of payment by the Customs authorities.