MANILA, Philippines — Around P350 million worth of used clothes or “ukay-ukay” and mosquito coils were discovered during a raid at a Bulacan warehouse, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported on Friday.
In a statement, the BOC said a letter of authority (LOA) was issued by Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio against the warehouses located at M. Villarica Road, Barangay Sta. Rosa 1 in Marilao.
Operatives acted on reports the ukay-ukay, mosquito coils, and other commodities, believed to be smuggled into the country, were being stored in the facility.
“The team inspected the warehouses and found them to contain used clothing or ukay-ukay, mosquito coils, IPR-infringing (intellectual property rights) goods, and other suspected smuggled imported goods,” Rubio said.
Agents from Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port enforced the LOA on Thursday.
The operation was made possible with the help of the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police in Marilao, and Barangay Sta. Rosa 1 local officials.
The warehouses have been closed, with the team padlocking the gates of the facilities.
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