Controversial Goree-branded products among smuggled goods seized by BOC

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Tuesday destroyed smuggled products it recently seized, including products branded as Goree.

A report by Oscar Oida in 24 Oras showed BOC officials shredding the illegal items.

Sale and distribution of Goree products had been banned by the Food and Drug Aministration (FDA) last October for the high level of mercury present in its products.

The products are popular because of their claim to whiten skin, including dark underarms. However, many users complained of getting burn and rashes instead.

Goree Cosmetics officials based in Pakistan told Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho that their products do not contain mercury, and that those making the rounds are fake. It added that the products have not been released in the Philippines.

BOC Commissioner Isidro Lapeña advised that consumers ensure that the beauty products they purchase and use are FDA-approved.

"Talagang hazardous ito sa ating skin, sa ating health, so see to it na pag bumibili kayo ng beauty products are those with FDA approval," he said.

Other items seized by the BOC included 115 pairs of original rubber shoes from Italy, that are valued at around P7 million, and 1,110 skimming devices used for stealing information in ATMs.

The seized products amounted to nearly P40 million, the report said. —Jessica Bartolome/JST, GMA News