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The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and other law enforcement agencies have seized an estimated P13 million worth of Chinese cigarettes and medicines in two operations on storage facilities in Tambo, Parañaque City
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The February 16 operation yielded an estimated value of P4 million while the February 19 operation seized an estimated P9 million in cigarettes and medicines
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BOC said the seized medicines are suspected to be used to treat COVID-19
An estimated P13 million worth of Chinese cigarettes and medicines suspected to be used to treat coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were seized by authorities in inspection operations on two storage facilities in Tambo, Parañaque City.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Manila International Container Port, in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and National Bureau of Investigation, conducted the two operations on February 16 and February 19, which led to the apprehension of the products.
The operation on February 16 yielded an estimated value of P4 million while the operation on February 19 seized an estimated P9 million worth of cigarettes and medicine. BOC in a statement said the seized medicines are suspected to be used to treat COVID-19.
BOC in previous operations had also seized Chinese medicines from facilities suspected to be makeshift clinics for treating COVID-19 related cases.
BOC earlier warned the public against using medicines without proper clearances from the Department of Health and the Food and Drug Administration.
It is also urging the public not to patronize fly-by-night clinics as this may lead to further health risks, and to coordinate instead with proper government agencies for treatment.
Further investigation is ongoing to determine those responsible for the storage facilities and the possible filing of charges for violations against the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act is underway.
