The Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported the seizure of various counterfeit goods worth PHP1.5 billion in Pasay City on Tuesday.
It said in a statement that a team led by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Intellectual Property Rights Division (CIIS-IPRD) inspected the storage facility inside Building 127 along F Street, armed with Letters of Authority (LOA) issued by Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio. B. Harrison Street at J. Fernando Street on February 17th.
Among the items discovered were counterfeit goods bearing the brands Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Nike, Adidas, Supreme, Tory Burch, Skechers, and Birkenstock. Inventory is currently being carried out.
The raiding team, which included members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), demanded proof of payment for all imported goods' taxes and duties, as well as proof of authenticity for branded goods.
According to the initial report, approximately 70 units in the building are leased and used as storage spaces.
Rubio emphasized the importance of collaborating with various government agencies as well as the hard work of customs officials in ensuring the success of each operation.
Other possible violations of the Philippine Intellectual Property Code and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act are also being investigated.
Meanwhile, Customs Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy has vowed to step up efforts to combat smuggling and counterfeit goods.
