P705M worth of counterfeit perfumes, cosmetic goods seized in Valenzuela

Authorities on Friday seized P705 million worth of assorted counterfeit perfumes and cosmetic products in Valenzuela City. 

In a statement on Saturday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said the operation was held at Nicewheel Rubber Corporation and Haiwan Import/Export Corporation, located along 90D Bonifacio Street in Barangay East Canumay at around 8:30 p.m.

The operation was led by the CIDG-Northern District Field Unit together with the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Northern Police District (NPD), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and barangay officials.

Initial inspection of the warehouse in Valenzuela revealed large volumes of counterfeit cosmetics and luxury-inspired perfumes carrying the markings of several foreign brands, the BOC said, adding that the total value of seized goods is estimated at P705,168,000.

The warehouse caretaker and the security guard were present when the items were inspected and seized.

The raid transpired based on information from the Office of the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (SILG) about the alleged illegal importation of the products, followed by a series of surveillance activities held by authorities.

Following confirmation of the reported illegal activities, the CIDG coordinated with the BOC for the issuance of a Letter of Authority, signed by Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno.

The PNP identified the suspects as alias “Allen,” a Chinese, and an unidentified cohort, who are both currently at large.

“This is a major blow to syndicates undermining our economy. Hindi lang ito usapin ng buwis; we are protecting our local industries from unfair competition. We will not allow the Philippines to be a haven for illegal goods,” said PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

“Our intelligence suggests this isn't just a local operation. Maaaring isang malaking supply chain ito. Hinihimay na natin ang mga dokumento para matunton kung saan-saang mga mall at online shops ito dinadala. No one is safe from our follow-up operations,” he added.

(This could be a large supply chain. We are sifting through the documents to track down which malls and online shops these perfumes are being taken to.)

According to the PNP, samples of the confiscated items will be submitted to the DTI to verify whether the items comply with mandatory certification requirements, such as the Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and/or Safety Mark or the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker.

Quality control verification will also be held to ensure the products meet Philippine National Standards (PNS) before distribution, in line with consumer protection measures.

“These uncertified products might also be dangerous. Walang clearance from regulatory agencies kaya hindi natin alam kung anong kemikal ang hinalo rito. Pwedeng magdulot ito ng malalang skin allergies o lason sa katawan. We are saving our consumers from potential hospital bills and long-term health issues,” Nartatez said.

(There is no clearance from regulatory agencies, so we don't know what chemicals are mixed in it. This can cause severe skin allergies or poison the body.)

All confiscated items are currently in the custody of the BOC for safekeeping.

Meanwhile, a criminal complaint for violation of Republic Act No. 7394, or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, is currently being prepared against the suspects for filing before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Valenzuela. —VBL, GMA News