The Bureau of Customs (BOC) recently seized P1.944 billion worth of alleged illegal imports from multiple warehouses in Guiguinto, Bulacan, as part of a large-scale operation aimed at combating smuggling and intellectual property violations.
According to a BOC statement released Wednesday, the three-day operation uncovered various shipments, including dried tobacco, counterfeit goods, and used clothing. The initial raid on November 6 led to the confiscation of secondhand clothing, shoes, and fake branded items valued at P1.25 billion. A subsequent inspection on November 8 revealed an additional P694.4 million worth of dried tobacco products, stored in sacks and packed alongside nearly 7,000 cases of cigarette filter rods.
“Big operations like these require substantial time and resources. Our officers are committed to holding these imported goods while we verify the legitimacy of their importation and proof of correct tax payment,” stated BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.
Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Juvymax Uy emphasized that the operation’s success depends on building cases against individuals and organizations responsible. “Following proper procedures and extending courtesy to the owners to provide proof of legal import is essential to this process,” Uy said.
Under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), warehouse owners have been given 15 days to present documentation proving lawful importation and tax compliance. Failure to do so could result in charges under the Intellectual Property Code and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. The BOC noted that economic sabotage charges could also apply, as agricultural smuggling, hoarding, and profiteering are classified as such under Philippine law.