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P1.5 billion worth of smuggled goods were seized in a Valenzuela warehouse by joint forces of the Bureau of Customs and the Armed Forces of the Philippines
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Found were branded items, imported construction materials among others
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Also discovered was a hidden storage facility of raw materials of cigarettes such as tobacco filler and filter rod
The Bureau of Customs and the Armed Forces of the Philippines seized on July 13 various smuggled goods worth about P1.5 billion in a warehouse in Valenzuela City, BOC said in a statement.
Armed with a Letter of Authority and Mission Order issued by the Commissioner of Customs, the implementing team, including those from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service and the Enforcement and Security Service of the Manila International Container Port, proceeded with the inspection of the warehouse.
Found were imported Intellectual Property Rights infringing goods bearing the brands of Christian Dior, Gucci, Michael Kors, Coach, Guess, Nike, Adidas, Hello Kitty, and Jordan, and soaps bearing the brands of Cetaphil, Safeguard, Nivea, Johnsons Liquid Soap, among others.
Imported construction materials, housewares, kitchenware, household appliances, and consumer electronics lighting products were also seen inside the premises. A hidden storage facility of raw materials of cigarettes such as tobacco filler and filter rod was found inside the warehouse.
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The team temporarily placed padlocks and seals on the entrance and exit gates of the warehouse.
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention will be issued against the subject goods for violation of RA 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, in relation to Section 117 (Regulated Goods), Section 118 (Prohibited Goods), and Section 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
