The Bureau of Customs, through the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service and the Enforcement and Security Service of the Manila International Container Port, together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, seized various smuggled goods stored in a warehouse in Valenzuela City on July 13, 2022.

Armed with a Letter of Authority and Mission Order issued by the Commissioner of Customs, the implementing team proceeded with the inspection of the said warehouse. Found were imported Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) infringing goods bearing the brands of Christian Dior, Gucci, Michael Kors, Coach, Guess, Nike, Adidas, Hello Kitty, and Jordan, and soaps bearing the brands of Cetaphil, Safeguard, Nivea, Johnsons Liquid Soap, among others.

Imported construction materials, housewares, kitchenware, household appliances, and consumer electronics lighting products were also seen inside the premises. A hidden storage facility of raw materials of cigarettes such as tobacco filler and filter rod have also been found inside the warehouse.

Goods found are estimated to be worth 1.5 billion pesos. The team temporarily placed padlocks and seals on the entrance and exit gates of the warehouse.

Warrant of Seizure and Detention shall be issued against the subject goods for violation of RA 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, in relation to Section 117 (Regulated Goods), Section 118 (Prohibited Goods), and Section 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).