The Bureau of Customs destroyed seized smuggled counterfeit products worth P2 billion in Meycauayan, Bulacan.
BOC Port of Manila deputy collector for operations Liza Sebastian said the condemned products were seized during various anti-smuggling operations in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
Among the destroyed items counterfeit shoes, bags and cosmetics bearing popular brands such as Nike, Vans, adidas, Victoria’s Secret, Lacoste, Gucci, Bulgari, Jo Malone, Clinique, and Dior, among others.
The event was attended by Auction and Cargo Disposal Division chief Enrico Turingan III, Intellectual Property Rights Division chief Dominic Garcia, members of the Enforcement and Security Service and representatives from the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights as well as representatives from the various brand owners.
POM district collector Michael Vargas said the bureau is committed to strengthen its campaign versus counterfeit and smuggled products.
He also warned the public to be wary of using fake products as they may have adverse side effects, especially lotions, perfumes and even electronic products that are substandard.