Customs seizes P10-B counterfeit goods, smuggled rice

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized in five warehouses in Quezon City over P10 billion worth of fake cigarette tax stamps, counterfeit bags and smuggled rice believed to have been spirited out of the country’s ports with the help of the agency’s erring personnel.

Following a tip from an informant, the BOC raided on Thursday the five warehouses inside the PTFC compound at the corner of Marvex Drive and A. Bonifacio Avenue.

Customs agents found in three warehouses the fake cigarette tax stamps amounting to P8.5 billion and the equipment for cigarette-making and sacks of rice. Used clothing, fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals amounting to P2 billion were kept in the two other warehouses, owned by On Time Trading. —JOVIC YEE