Various fake goods estimated to be worth more or less P2 billion were confiscated by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday, October 12.
Customs agents from the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CISS) uncovered the counterfeit goods stored in hundreds of boxes inside the three units of Huang Lim Hong Lian building at San Vicente St. corner Tomas Pinpin St., Binondo, Sta. Cruz, Manila.
Items discovered include fake electronic goods, cell phone accessories, GoPro cameras, headsets, detergent soaps, vape juice, whitening soaps, and other household products.
The brands replicated were from Beats, Apple, Samsung, Adidas, Bose, Oppo, Olay and Aveeno.
Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapena said the raid stemmed from tips from brand owner, Unilever, who reported the unauthorized distribution of fake products.
Armed with Letter of Authority no. 10-11-001-2017, 10-11-002-2017, 10-11-003-2017, 10-12-004-2017 and Mission Order no. 10-11-2017-004, 10-11-2017-003, 10-11-2017-002, 10-11-2017-001 issued by the customs chief, the agents of the bureau proceeded with the operation together with the barangay officials and local police of Sta. Cruz, Manila. Lawyer Chuck de Guzman from Unilever and Lee Bumgarner, a product consultant of various branded products including Apple and Procter and Gamble were also present during the inspection.
“Our ESS and CIIS agents said there was no owner or worker present during the operation,” Lapena said.
A certain Brian Lee is the tenant of the raided units, said Barangay Kagawad Jasmin Escoto.
“They are undermining the legitimate brand owners and deceiving the consumers by selling ‘fake branded products’ in substandard qualities, this is also a violation of Intellectual Property Law and RA 7394,” the customs chief added.
To protect the consumers against hazards to health and safety, RA 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines prohibits the distribution of counterfeit items or imitation goods in the country.
“These goods did not undergo quality control, buyers should be more keen on buying fake goods; mura nga pero ‘di naman magtatagal, pwede pa itong mag-cause ng sunog at mag-impose ng risk sa kalusugan,” Lapena added.
The units will be guarded by the customs police while pending investigation.
“Once issued a warrant of seizure and detention (WSD) these items will be subject to destruction to avoid contact with Filipino consumers,” the customs chief said.
Commissioner Lapena lauded the combined efforts of ESS and CIIS in conducting a successful operation against the counterfeit items. | BOC-PR
