By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intensified its campaign against smuggling and counterfeit trade following the inspection of nearly PHP841 million worth of fake imported products confiscated from a warehouse in Valenzuela City.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno personally led the inspection on Thursday, describing the operation as part of the agency’s broader crackdown on illicit commercial activities that continue to undermine government revenues and consumer protection.
The operation stemmed from intelligence reports indicating that a warehouse in Valenzuela was allegedly being used as a storage facility for counterfeit imported products. Acting on the information, operatives from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service conducted surveillance and validation operations before moving in on the target area.
Authorities later implemented a Letter of Authority on April 10, 2026, which resulted in the discovery of thousands of suspected fake beauty and personal care products bearing internationally recognized brand names.
Among the items recovered were 1,460 boxes of counterfeit perfumes and 364 boxes of lotions carrying labels of popular global brands such as Jo Malone, Versace, and Cetaphil.
Investigators said the shipment may have violated provisions of Republic Act No. 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, particularly regulations covering counterfeit and infringing goods. Authorities are also pursuing possible violations under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act involving seizure and forfeiture of illegally imported merchandise.
The facility has since been sealed and placed under government custody with assistance from the Philippine Coast Guard while further investigation is underway.
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was formally issued on April 28, 2026.
Nepomuceno warned smugglers and counterfeit traders that the government is tightening its enforcement operations under the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..
The Customs chief stressed that smuggling operations directly affect state revenues intended for public services and national development programs, adding that the agency will continue to pursue intelligence-driven operations to dismantle illegal trade networks operating in the country.
He also emphasized that the Bureau remains committed to strengthening border protection measures and safeguarding consumers from counterfeit products that may pose risks to public health and safety.
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