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P40M worth of smuggled beauty products, shoes, skimming devices seized
Around P40 million worth of "toxic" beauty products, branded shoes, and skimming devices were seized at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Tuesday.
According to the BOC, it has seized 6,500 pieces of Goree beauty products, 182 packages of assorted beauty products, 111 pairs of original rubber shoes, and 1,100 skimming devices.
The beauty products, estimated at P8 million, were seized by BOC-NAIA at the Paircargo warehouse.
“These non-Food and Administration Agency (FDA) approved beauty products were disguised as balikbayan boxes declared to contain personal effects and household goods, consigned to Associated Freight Consolidators and other multiple consignees,” Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said.
The 12 balikbayan boxes containing Abu Dhabi-imported beauty products such as Goree Day and Night Whitening Cream, Goree Beauty Cream, Goree Lotion, soaps, and other makeup kits were intercepted though strict profiling and examination of the customs authorities.
On October 30, 2017, the FDA has released a public advisory prohibiting the use and distribution of Goree products which were found to contain toxic mercury levels beyond the 1 parts per million (ppm) limit set by the agency. This was validated through a chemical screening conducted by the EcoWaste Coalition, a non-governmental organization.
The advisory states that highly toxic mercury in cosmetics products may cause adverse health effects such as kidney damage, skin rashes, skin discoloration and scarring. Chronic use reduces the skin’s normal resistance against bacterial and fungal infections. Other effects include anxiety, depression or psychosis and peripheral neuropathy. The transfer of mercury to the fetus of pregnant women may manifest as neurodevelopment deficits later in life.
The BOC also seized 15 balikbayan boxes containing 111 pairs of original rubber shoes with an estimated market value of P7 million.
The shipment from Italy is consigned to Associated Freight Consolidators, the same consignee of the seized Goree products, it said.
The shoes' brands include Nike Airmax DLX, Airmax 1/97 VF SW, Nike Vapormax FK, Adidas Yeezy Powerhouse CG6420, Adidas PW Holi NMD MC, Vans Era 95 DX, Balenciaga sneakers, Air Jordan 1 Retro, and used Nike sneakers.
“It was discovered by the Customs examiners after it passed through X-ray machines," Lapeña said.
The BOC-NAIA also apprehended more than 1,110 skimming devices at the three terminals of NAIA since December 16, 2017 to June 1, 2018.
A total of 13 apprehensions have been recorded. Some passengers coming from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Indonesia were caught smuggling skimming devices.
The gadgets, according to Lapeña, come in sets, mostly containing one-time password card (OTP), SIM cards, bank cards, mobile phones, rubber stamps, ATM pins, and other Chinese-inscribed documents, according to the Customs chief.
Republic Act 8484 or the Access Devices Regulation Act of 1998 prohibits the use of unauthorized access devices and the unlawful manufacture and distribution of the access device.
Also, P25 million worth of glutathione products without the required FDA permit were also seized. The products which were sent through balikbayan boxes came from Thailand and Malaysia.
NAIA Customs authorities are still determining whether the whitening products are fake.
“The Bureau of Customs will remain vigilant and will continue to carry-on the fight against those who disrespect and disregard the Customs laws, rules and regulations,” Lapeña said.
He also warned traders and importers not to take advantage and abuse the use of balikbayan boxes.
The seized goods will undergo seizure and forfeiture proceedings in accordance with Section 400, 1113, and 1117 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. —Ted Cordero/KG, GMA News
