A total of 31 bales of used clothing, commonly known as “ukay-ukay,” and 10 bales of used shoes with an estimated street value of P410,000 were intercepted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)- Sorsogon and turned over to the Bureau of Customs-Port of Legazpi on December 6.

The goods were onboard a private van and were intercepted in Matnog, Sorsogon, while in transit from Manila to Catarman, Northern Samar.

The team recommended the issuance of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) against the goods and their conveyance for violation of Sections 118, 1113, and 1401 of Republic Act (R.A.) 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

It also violated Republic Act No. 4653, or “An Act to Safeguard the Health of the People and Maintain the Dignity of the Nation by Declaring it a National Policy to Prohibit the Commercial Importation of Textile Articles Commonly Known as Used Clothing and Rags.”

The operation was part of the Bureau of Customs’ continuing efforts to secure the country’s borders against the entry of prohibited goods.

Acting Customs District Collector Arthur Sevilla Jr. lauded the PCG-Sorsogon for their valuable contribution in the joint operation.

The Port of Legazpi is committed to fulfilling the BOC’s mandate to strengthen border protection in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order to stop all forms of smuggling in the country.