P1.2B worth of illegal vapes, counterfeit goods seized in Malabon

The Bureau of Customs - Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (BOC-CIIS) discovered P1.2 billion worth of suspected illegal vapes and counterfeit goods in Malabon City.

In a statement on Wednesday, the BOC said disposable vape brands, shoes, bags, and cosmetics were found in a warehouse in Barangay Tanong.

BOC Commissioner Bien Rubio warned the public that counterfeited goods pose serious health risks.

“We see here some fake cosmetics being sold as branded goods. So, if these goods did not go through the proper testing and licensing, imagine the risk you are taking,” Rubio said.  

"Unfortunately, the global marketplace allows access to these goods, which unscrupulous vendors sell to unsuspecting customers. They profit from these at the risk of consumers’ health and safety,” he added.

BOC-CIIS Director Verne Encis said a certain vape brand was found with no Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ICC stickers.

Authorities also discovered appliances, garments, cosmetics, household products, and other general merchandise. 

“While buying fake goods may seem like a bargain, we want to remind the public that it only fuels the criminals more. These are the same enterprises that get involved in money laundering, forced labor, and some even in organized crime,” Custom Deputy Commissioner for the Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy said.

“Smuggling is only the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more that goes underneath this crime, so we need to stop where the money is coming from,” he added.

The team temporarily padlocked and sealed the warehouse, with an inventory scheduled.

Meanwhile, the warehouse owners and operators were given 15 days to present documents indicating that the imported goods were legitimately acquired and that the appropriate duties and taxes were paid.

Failure to provide the following documents may result in charges for violating the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/LDF, GMA Integrated News