P65 million worth of smuggled items seized in Manila
The Bureau of Customs found various items not authorized by the Food and Drug Administration in a storage facility in Binondo, Manila. (Photo from the Bureau of Customs)
MANILA, Philippines — Authorities seized various smuggled items, including medical supplies, at a storage facility in Binondo, Manila, on Wednesday, April 21, according to a statement issued by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Friday, April 23.
The operation was spearheaded by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) of the Manila International Container Port (MICP) in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and the National Bureau of Investigation.
Under an order signed by Customs chief Rey Leonardo Guerrero, the team inspected the Binondo storage facility and found various items — such as BL cream, lotions speakers, AiDeLai facemasks —that are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
The BOC started conducting an inventory and further investigation for possible violations of the Customs Modernization and Tarrif Act (CMTA).
