The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on March 28 uncovered boxes of counterfeit beauty and skin care products, and other merchandise on separate occasions in a warehouse at Tondo and Binondo, Manila.
Commissioner Isidro Lapena together with the representatives of some known brands inspects the fake products estimated to be worth P600 million.
The Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) agents acted on a Letter of Authority of the Customs chief to inspect the warehouse at Bldg. 1336, Antonio Rivera St., Tondo, Manila and Dona Maria Lim Bldg. Ilang-Ilang St., Binondo, Manila for an alleged violation of the Intellectual Property Law.
The LOA and Mission Order stemmed from a tip from brand owners identifying the warehouses that contain fake beauty and skin care products, and other merchandise.
According to report, a certain Kevin Lee is the occupant of the warehouse at Tondo while a certain Anthony Lee and Brian Lee are the occupants of the warehouse at Binondo. According to the tipster, these Chinese men are business partners.
“We are now coordinating with other brand owners to identify whether their products found in both warehouses are counterfeit,” Commissioner Lapena said.
The BOC agents have informed the occupants to provide evidence of payment by leaving a notice to the building owner since no one was found during the inspection.
We are now giving them 15 days from the date of inspection which was last March 22 to provide the needed documents. If they failed to do so, we will seize right away these products and destroy them immediately, Lapena said.
“Smugglers nowadays are bold to import these counterfeit items because majority of the Filipinos patronize fake products because of its cheaper price.
“Kayang-kaya ng budget at mura kumpara sa original pero the continuous usage of these products pose harm to our health. These are unfit for human consumption. Hindi rin sila dumaan sa quality control, these products might contain poisonous chemicals na hindi naman nila ini-indicate sa package,” Lapena added.
The Bureau of Customs has been implementing stricter border control to prevent the entry of the supply of fake products “but more so, there should also be a change in the mentality of our consumers,” he said.
Lapena urged the consumers to be a smart buyer. “Before buying a product, check if it undergoes quality control. The safety of our family lies also in the quality of products we buy.” ### BOC-PR
