SOME P20 million worth of fake cosmetic goods, cellular phones, designer bags and other electronic gadgets were seized by the Customs Enforcement Group (EG) Friday morning.
Customs Deputy Commissioner Horacio Suansing Jr. said the goods will be destroyed by steam-roller or burning for violation of the Intellectual Property Code and the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines.
“Before destroying them, we still have to wait for the recommendation of the Department of Health on its mode of destruction. Remember that these are chemicals and we really don’t know what it contains,” he added.
The seized items, which were allegedly manufactured in China, are Nivea, Ponds, L’Oreal, Revlon, Mac, and Jergens while the electronic gadgets were Ipod shuffle and MP3 players.
Aside from beauty and skin care products, the shipment is also loaded with pirated Quantum Pendants, Phiten and Power Balance bracelets, gold plated jewelries, PVC windows, and Chanel Women’s bags.
On the other hand, Chito Macapagal, spokesperson of the Soaps and Detergent Association, said the apprehension should serve as a stern warning to those who are involved in illegal trade to stop their criminal activities.
“These goods are being sold 30 to 50 percent much cheaper in the local market to entice consumers. But these are actually substandard, far cry from the real thing, and hazardous to public health,” he said.
The consignee, Kornets International, abandoned the shipment since it failed to file an import entry.
“This was am abandoned shipment because the consignee must have been aware of the extent of violations of their importation,” Suansing said. (FP/Sunnex)