Authorities recently struck a blow against illegal trade, confiscating P625,000 worth of undocumented ukay-ukay in separate operations across Cebu and Bataan.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), with support from local police units, conducted the raids that led to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of imported secondhand clothing, commonly known as ukay-ukay.

In Cebu, the 11 December operation at Kings Warehouse in Barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City, apprehended two women, Angel and Elmie, both of legal age, who were allegedly selling 51 bundles of undocumented ukay-ukay valued at P325,000.

Meanwhile, in Bataan, a buy-bust operation on 12 December at Pleasant Homes St., Barangay San Pedro, Hermosa, led to the arrest of 30-year-old Arthur for selling 100 bundles of ukay-ukay worth P300,000 without proper permits.

The CIDG emphasized that the importation of used clothing is strictly regulated under Republic Act 4653, which safeguards public health and national dignity by limiting the entry of potentially unsanitary textiles. Officials also reminded the public that purchasing unregulated ukay-ukay can pose health and hygiene risks.