MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Customs on Thursday, May 29, filed smuggling charges against a trader and a Customs broker for the importation of counterfeit goods worth P55 million.
Customs charged Rizaldy Valencia, owner of Clurky Trading, and customs broker Elizar Lopez for violating the Tariff and Customs Code by importing fake goods, including apparel, beauty and electronic products.
Valencia and Lopez also face charges for falsifying public documents, a violation of the Revised Penal Code.
“It is our duty to protect our consumers and our legitimate businesses from the harmful effects of fake products. Fake goods are damaging to business and investment opportunities and pose a serious threat to public health and safety since these counterfeit products are not subject to safety checks,” said Customs Commissioner John Sevilla.
The Customs said the two shipped into the country 3 container vans filled with counterfeit shirts, pants and undergarments bearing the brands Levi’s, Adidas and Aeropostale. The vans also contained hair dye, power face mask and paraffin wax, as well as mobile phone chargers.
The latest complaint was filed under the Customs’ Run After the Smugglers or RATS program. – Rappler.com
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