BOC uncovers P7.3 billion ‘smuggled’ goods in Caloocan, Bulacan

On Apr 8, 2024

BOC intelligence operatives walk past a high stack of suspected smuggled goods after conducting a series of warehouse inspection in Bulacan and Caloocan, March 20, 2024. The value of suspected smuggled items is placed at more than P7.3 billion, the biggest thus far this year (photo: BOC-PIAD/stock photo).

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) is setting its sight on further breaking its already awesome record of P43.295 billion worth of apprehended smuggled goods last year after swooping down on several warehouses in Caloocan City and Bulacan and came out seizing over P7.3 billion in suspected smuggled goods, its biggest haul thus far this year.

Armed with a ‘LOA’ (letter of authority) signed by Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, a composite team from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) and the Enforcement Security Service (ESS) and the Manila International Container Port (MICP), conducted their operation last March 20, 2024, with the assistance from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and local officials.

Alvin Enciso, MICP-CIIS chief, in his report to district collector Carmelita Talusan and the Office of the Commissioner, said the team found “a large volume of intellectual property rights infringing items, various kitchenware, appliances, apparel, toys, computer accessories, and cosmetics.”

Following the inspection, the team secured the warehouses pending inventory of the items by customs examiners, to be witnessed by CIIS-MICP agents and warehouse representatives.

In a brief statement, Rubio commended the operating units, adding the agency’s “strengthened collaboration with law enforcement agencies” aided them in cracking down on suspected smuggling groups and prevent the proliferation of fake goods in the domestic market.