The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized piles of smuggled Chinese goods and medicine, including a drug that is being marketed as a cure for COVID-19.
Alvin Enciso, chief of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) at the Manila International Container Port, spearheaded the raid last Friday, February 19, that led to the discovery of the illegally imported Chinese cigarettes, food items, other goods, as well as the Chinese medicine Lianhua Qingwen at the Sunrise Street in Tambo, Paranaque.
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“We will need to do inventory, but most of the goods are Lianhua Qingwen which is used as medicine for Covid-19,” said Enciso.
All items have been placed and secured within the BOC premises with an inventory expected to take place this Monday, February 22.
BOC Deputy Commissioner Raniel Ramiro lauded the operation as it strengthens their campaign against illegal smuggling and the proliferation of prohibited items in the country.
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Last year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Lianhua Qingwen produced by one of China’s renowned Traditional Chinese Medicine manufacturers, Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila said the move marks an important milestone in the entrance of traditional Chinese medicines in the country.
However, both the FDA and the Embassy reminded the public to only purchase and consume authentic products through authorized distributors.
