Bureau of Customs seizes P600 million smuggled items

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confiscated around P600 million worth of smuggled beauty products in Manila.

Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña inspected the contraband in separate storage facilities in Binondo and Tondo.

Agents of the BOC’s Enforcement and Security Service seized the smuggled items for violation of the Intellectual Property Law.

Lapeña said the operation stemmed from a tip from brand owners that fake beauty and skin care products and other merchandise were stored in the warehouses.

Kevin Lee is the alleged occupant of the Tondo warehouse. Anthony Lee and Brian Lee are the alleged occupants of the warehouse in Binondo, according to the BOC.

“We are coordinating with other brand owners to identify whether their products found in the warehouses are counterfeit,” Lapeña said.

“Smugglers import these fake items because a majority of the Filipinos patronize these products because these are cheaper,” he added.

Lapeña urged consumers to be smart buyers. 

“Before buying a product, check if it is approved by the FDA. The safety of our family lies in the quality of the products we buy,” he said.