By Lloyd Caliwan/Jason De Asis
MANILA – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized a combined PHP6.46 million worth of counterfeit seasoning and unregistered condiments in separate operations in Cebu and Southern Leyte, resulting in the arrest of a Chinese national and two other individuals.
In a belated news release over the weekend, CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II said a 42-year-old Chinese was arrested at a Cebu City warehouse on Aug. 6 for trading PHP4.22 worth of counterfeit seasoning products.
The suspect faces charges under the Intellectual Property Code.
In Southern Leyte, the CIDG and the Food and Drug Administration arrested two on Aug. 3 for distributing PHP2.24 million worth of unregistered cooking oil and soy sauce without the required legal authorization.
“Regulatory requirements are in place to protect consumers, and bypassing them will not be tolerated. We will ensure that those who disregard these safeguards are held accountable under the law,” Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.
Cabanatuan anti-drug ops
Over the weekend, two separate anti-drug operations in Cabanatuan City on Aug. 8 and 9 resulted in the arrest of four high-value individuals, and the seizure of PHP1.9 million worth of suspected shabu, marijuana and cannabis vapes.
The operations yielded PHP400,248 worth of shabu in Barangay Sumacab Norte and PHP1.51 million worth of cannabis-related products in Barangay Lagare. (PNA)
