BOC CONFISCATES P705-M FAKE PERFUMES, COSMETIC PRODUCTS IN VALENZUELA RAID

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) successfully conducted an enforcement operation in Valenzuela City, resulting in the confiscation of some P705 million worth of assorted counterfeit perfumes and cosmetic products.

The operation stemmed from intelligence report from the office of BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, which was validated through field verification and inter-agency coordination.

Acting on the Commissioner’s intelligence report, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) of the Manila International Container Port (MICP) conducted surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations on a warehouse in Valenzuela City suspected of storing counterfeit luxury perfumes and other unregulated cosmetic products.

On April 10, 2026, a Letter of Authority—approved by the Commissioner on the same day—was issued, enabling the immediate conduct of enforcement action.

The Letter of Authority was promptly served by a composite team composed of personnel from CIIS-MICP and the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS)-MICP, with support from operatives of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Philippine National Police (CIDG-PNP).

Initial inspection of the warehouse revealed large volumes of counterfeit cosmetic items and luxury-inspired perfumes bearing the marks of various international brands, including Dior, Chanel, Gucci, Versace, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein, Bulgari, Giorgio Armani, Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, Paco Rabanne, Issey Miyake, Jo Malone, Davidoff, Lanvin Éclat, Victoria’s Secret, among others.

Based on initial assessment, the total value of the seized goods is estimated at P705,168,000.00.

“We made sure to act on the information immediately. Once the intelligence was validated and access to the warehouse was being delayed, we secured the necessary authority without hesitation so we could properly enter and inspect the premises. This kind of swift, coordinated action is crucial to prevent counterfeit goods from being moved or concealed,” Nepomuceno said.

The BOC reiterated its firm commitment, under the directive of the Commissioner, to strengthen intelligence-driven enforcement operations and sustain its intensified campaign against smuggling and the entry of counterfeit goods into the country.