The Bureau of Customs on Thursday confiscated more than P300 million worth of fake products, including branded cigarettes, food seasoning, and soaps, in Barangay Masambong, Quezon City.
The fake goods were found in three warehouses in Masambong owned by Erlinda Chua, who was arrested by government agents for failure to show documents that the products were legitimately produced.
Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said the raid was prompted by a tip from a private company, which reported the illegal distribution of fake products carrying its brands.
The confiscated fake products include Ajinomoto, Magic Sarap, Ginisa Mix and Sinigang seasonings, branded bath soaps and cigarettes, Lapeña said.
“These goods did not undergo quality control. Consumers should be more careful in buying fake goods. It may be bad for the health,” the BoC chief said.
Only last week, Customs seized fake iPhone and Samsung phones worth P2 billion found at a warehouse on Dasmariñas Street in Binondo, Manila.
Lapeña said they will investigate how the products passed through Customs and who helped facilitate the release of the contraband.
