Operatives from the Bureau of Customs recently raided a warehouse in Imus, Cavite and discovered an estimated P150-million worth of fake apparel, appliances and general merchandise on Thursday.

BoC personnel conducted a search on the warehouse armed with a Letter of Authority signed by Customs commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz. The Philippine National Police and local barangay officials were notified of the implementation of the LoA.

A team from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port proceeded to the location of the Hong Yun Real Estate Group Inc. at M. Salud Road, Alapan II-A, Imus, Cavite to inspect the contents of the warehouse.

The Customs agents found ready-to-wear garments from brands such as Dickies, Mossimo, Bench, Levi's, Puma, Fila, Mickey Mouse, Hello Kitty, and others, as well as appliances and general merchandise.

"The implementation of this operation comes with reinforcement from different departments. It was also made possible by the coordination with the police and local barangay officials. This is what it means to work with one goal in mind, which is to put a stop to this menace," Ruiz said.

"From top to bottom, we are united in our aim to see our markets free from these contrabands as well smuggled fake products," he added.

For his part, Customs deputy commissioner Juvymax Uy assured that the LoA was discussed with the warehouse's representative and to the security guard on duty who acknowledged it before the team proceeded with the inspection.

After the inspection, the assigned Customs examiners will do an inventory of the counterfeit items found in the warehouse and will be witnessed by CIIS-MICP agents, as well as the representatives of the warehouse.