AS part of the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) drive against smuggling, the BOC Intelligence Group (IG) Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Intellectual Property Division (CIIS-IPRD) and the BOC-Port of Manila (BOC-POM) seized approximately P2.5 billion worth of counterfeit goods in an operation conducted at One Logistics Center, Taft Avenue Extension, Pasay City on November 19, 2021.
Armed with a Letter of Authority (LOA) issued by BOC Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, the implementing team composed CIIS-IPRD, BOC-POM, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) inspected the warehouses located in Pasay City.
The inspection led to the discovery of possible Intellectual Property Right (IPR)-infringing goods and suspected smuggled counterfeit goods.
Witnessed by BOC examiners, members of the CIIS-IPRD, AFP, and PCG, the conduct of initial inventory of goods stored at the Logistics Center revealed numerous items bearing the brands: Christian Dior, Gucci, Channel, Louis Vuitton, and Fendi to name a few.
Further investigation is underway for possible violation of the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (RA 9283) and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863).
The Bureau of Customs will continue to remain resolute in implementing its anti-smuggling and border protection mandates under the leadership of BOC Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero.
