Valenzuela: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday inspected counterfeit goods seized in April at a warehouse in Valenzuela City worth PHP841 million.

According to Philippines News Agency, Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno stated that the goods were seized during an operation initiated from derogatory information about the alleged storage of illicit goods in a Valenzuela warehouse. Following the intelligence report, a team led by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service conducted surveillance and on-site validation.

Armed with a Letter of Authority, joint operatives proceeded to the warehouse on April 10, 2026, discovering suspected infringing goods. The official inventory revealed 1,460 boxes of perfumes and 364 boxes of lotions bearing markings of international brands such as Jo Malone, Versace, and Cetaphil, among others.

Possible violations include Republic Act 8293, known as the "Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines," particularly Section 118 (F) on infringing goods and Section 1113 on property subject to seizure and forfeiture, in relation to Section 1400 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. The warehouse was sealed by customs personnel with assistance from the Philippine Coast Guard for further investigation. A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued on April 28, 2026.

The BOC warned those involved in illegal operations to cease activities, emphasizing the Bureau's commitment to stopping these actions as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. Commissioner Nepomuceno highlighted the negative impact of smuggling on the Bureau's collections and the government's ability to fund programs benefiting the public.

The BOC head stressed the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations in identifying and neutralizing illicit trade activities, reaffirming the Bureau's commitment to sustained border protection and proactive enforcement against smuggling and related violations.