By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have seized PHP46 million worth of smuggled secondhand clothes known as “ukay-ukay” in Bulacan province.
In a statement Friday, CIDG chief Brig. Gen.Nicolas Torre III said their personnel arrested two suspects, with aliases Shawn and Liang, and three others during operations in several warehouses in Meycauayan City on Wednesday.
The operation, Oplan Megashopper, targets smuggled and fake goods.
Torre said the operatives also seized an Isuzu truck, assorted business documents, 23,614 bundles of assorted used imported clothing, passports, and identification cards.
The suspects and the evidence were taken to the CIDG’s field unit in Central Luzon for proper documentation and further legal action.
The five suspects face charges for violating Republic Act 4653 (An Act Prohibiting the Commercial Importation of Textile Articles Commonly Known as Used Clothing and Rags).
“Ang mga ganitong operasyon ay patunay ng aming dedikasyon sa paglaban sa mga krimen na sumisira sa ekonomiya ng bansa. Patuloy kaming magbabantay upang masiguro ang kaligtasan at kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino (These operations are proof of our dedication to fighting crimes that destroy the country’s economy. We will continue to watch out to ensure the safety and welfare of every Filipino),” Torre said. (PNA)
