Customs agents foiled the attempted theft of seized goods in a Pasay warehouse and arrested 77 individuals, 10 of them Chinese nationals.
The warehouse situated in Barangay 77 was previously sealed and padlocked during an operation against intellectual property rights (IPR) infringing goods, specifically clothing apparel, footwear, and bags.
Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Director Verne Enciso said the operation was augmented by the CIIS-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP).
“We received information from a well-placed asset that there was an ongoing theft in a Pasay warehouse we have previously sealed and padlocked. This warehouse had been subjected previously to a Letter of Authority (LOA),” he said.
During the operation, Customs agents caught the suspects breaking the seal and carrying the forfeited illicit goods from the upper floors down to the ground floor.
A close truck van (L300) with registration plate number TNP 882 was also spotted being loaded with the forfeited goods.
Commissioner Bien Rubio said the suspects were immediately instructed to stop the activity, and would soon undergo inquest proceedings.
“This operation only goes to show the extent of the BOC’s mandate. More than stopping these illegal activities and seizing contraband products, we must also be at the forefront of ensuring that these seized items will remain in our custody until the cases are done and we are instructed by the proper courts on how to go about disposing or liquidating them,” he explained.
Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Juvymax Uy assured that all forfeited items were accounted for through a verification conducted on the spot.
The success of each operation, including seeing them through legal proceedings, is crucial to the health of the Philippine industry and sends the right message to businesses that want to invest here.
The latest operation was coordinated with the Enforcement and Security Service-Quick Reaction Team (ESS-QRT), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Bureau Action Team Against Smuggling (BATAS), the Public Information and Assistance Division (PIAD), and the local barangay.
