Lawmen seize P700-M imported perfumes
Law enforcers seized P700 million worth of imported perfumes in Valenzuela City on Friday, but the authorities have yet to arrest two suspects who remain at large, according to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
In a report, the CIDG said it launched an operation on Friday inside Nicewheel Rubber Corp. and Haiwan Import/Export Corp. on Bonifacio Street, Barangay East Canumay in Valenzuela City.
The CIDG operation was conducted in cooperation with the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Department of Trade and Industry, Northern Police District and Philippine Coast Guard. A representative from Barangay East Canumay also took part in the operation.
The CIDG noted that the authorities implemented the Letter of Authority (LOA) signed by BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, with the presence of a warehouse caretaker, identified as Rodolfo Palorina and security guard, identified as Lendy Inion.
The CIDG also said the information came from the office of the secretary of the Interior and Local Government after a series of surveillance operations.
Like a warrant
According to the BOC, a LOA provides authority “to visit and inspect premises and goods, identifying the customs officers authorized to demand evidence of payment of duties and taxes on imported goods openly offered for sale or kept in storage.”
However, the agency said that two suspects were still at large: Chinese national with an alias “Allen,” residing at 90D Bonifacio Street in Barangay East Canumay; and another identified only as “John Doe.” The CIDG also said criminal complaints for violating Republic Act No. 7394 are being prepared against the suspects.
