Various fake goods with an estimated value of P2 billion were confiscated by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in a recent raid on a building in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
Agents from BOC’s Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CISS) uncovered the counterfeit goods stored in hundreds of boxes inside three units of Huang Lim Hong Lian building on San Vicente St. corner Tomas Pinpin St., Binondo, Sta. Cruz.
Discovered were fake electronic goods, cell phone accessories, GoPro cameras, headsets, detergent soaps, vape juice, whitening soaps, and other products replicating the brands Beats, Apple, Samsung, Adidas, Bose, Oppo, Olay, and Aveeno.
Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña, who led the inspection of the units on October 12, said the operation was conducted based on reports from brand owner Unilever of the unauthorized distribution of the fake products.
The customs agents, together with the barangay officials and local police of Sta. Cruz, Manila, raided the units armed with letters of authority issued by the customs chief. Atty. Chuck de Guzman of Unilever and Lee Bumgarner, a product consultant of various brands 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,” Lapeña said in a statement.
A certain Brian Lee rents 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 (Republic Act) 7394,” the customs chief added.
RA 7394, or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, prohibits the distribution of counterfeit items or imitation goods in the country.
The units are being guarded by customs police pending investigation.
“Once issued a warrant of seizure and detention (WSD) these items will be [destroyed] to avoid contact with Filipino consumers,” the customs chief said, while also lauding the ESS and CIIS for their successful joint operation.
