Manila: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Friday discovered approximately PHP705 million worth of assorted counterfeit perfumes and cosmetic products in a warehouse in Valenzuela City. Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, in a news release on Saturday, said the operation by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service of the Manila International Container Port stemmed from an intelligence report from his office, which was verified through inter-agency coordination.

According to Philippines News Agency, the composite team conducted surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations on the warehouse in Valenzuela City, suspected of storing counterfeit luxury perfumes and other unregulated cosmetic products. On April 10, a letter of authority - approved by Nepomuceno - was issued, enabling the immediate conduct of the raid.

Initial inspection of the warehouse showed large volumes of counterfeit cosmetic items and luxury-inspired perfumes bearing the marks of such international brands as Dior, Chanel, Gucci, Versace, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein, Bulgari, Giorgio Armani, Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, Paco Rabanne, Issey Miyake, Jo Malone, Davidoff, Lanvin €š¬…¡¬°clat, and Victoria's Secret, valued at PHP705.17 million.

Customs Commissioner Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of prompt action, stating, "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." He further highlighted that swift, coordinated actions are crucial to prevent counterfeit goods from being moved or concealed.

The team was supported by operatives of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Philippine National Police.