Operatives from the Bureau of Customs (BoC) locked down a warehouse in Malabon following the discovery of an estimated P1.2 billion worth of suspected illicit vapes and counterfeit goods, namely shoes, bags and cosmetics.

In a statement on Wednesday, the BoC’s Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (BoC-CIIS) director Verne Enciso said that on 11 March, they proceeded to the warehouse located in Barangay Tanong, Malabon City.

This action was taken immediately after receiving a Letter of Authority from BoC commissioner Bien Rubio.

CIIS-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) agents discovered disposable vape brand Kylinbar lacking Bureau of Internal Revenue and Department of Trade and Industry ICC stickers.

They also found shoe brands such as Nike, New Balance and Adidas, Apple AirPods and headsets and counterfeit bags from luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci stored in the warehouse.

Additionally, the team found appliances, garments, cosmetics, household products and other general merchandise.

“Upon receiving information about this warehouse, we completed the necessary paperwork and coordinated with relevant units and agencies. Fortunately, our commissioner promptly issued the LOA, allowing us to inspect the warehouse today,” Enciso said.

The CIIS-MICP team was supported by the Enforcement and Security Service and the Philippine Coast Guard while serving the LOA to the warehouse representatives.  

Deputy Commissioner for the Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy also appealed to the public regarding the dangers of purchasing counterfeit goods.

“While buying fake goods may seem like a bargain, we want to remind the public that it only fuels criminal activity. These are the same enterprises that get involved in money laundering, forced labor, and some even in organized crime. Smuggling is only the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more that goes underneath this crime, so we need to stop where the money is coming from,” Uy said.

The team temporarily padlocked and sealed the warehouse, with an inventory scheduled to be conducted by Customs examiners and agents from the CIIS, ESS, and storage representatives.  

The warehouse owners and operators were given 15 days from the service of the LOA to present documents demonstrating that the imported goods were legitimately acquired and that the appropriate duties and taxes were paid, as mandated by Section 224 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.  

Failure to provide the required documents could result in charges for violating Section 117 (regulated importation and exportation) and Section 1400 (misdeclaration in goods declaration) in relation to Section 1113 (property subject to seizure and forfeiture) of the CMTA.

They may also face charges under Republic Act 8293, the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.