A 64-year-old Chinese national and a 32-year-old woman were arrested after authorities seized P470,400 worth of allegedly counterfeit seasoning products during an entrapment operation in Bacolod City.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Bacolod City Field Unit conducted the operation along the Economic Highway in Brgy. Mansilingan from about 3:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 5.
The operation was conducted with the CIDG Regional Special Operations Team-Negros Island Region, Police Station 7 and representatives of Nestlé Philippines Inc.
CIDG said the operation stemmed from a complaint by the company regarding the alleged widespread distribution and sale of counterfeit Maggi Magic Sarap products in Bacolod City.
Police Maj. Christopher Dulagan, CIDG-Bacolod chief, said the suspects sold the products at around P2,000 to P2,500 per box, significantly lower than the estimated P4,800 price of genuine products.
An undercover police officer allegedly purchased 30 boxes of seasoning products from the suspects using a genuine P500 bill and boodle money.
The transaction led to the arrest of the Chinese national and his female companion, while another person allegedly involved remains at large.
CIDG personnel recovered 30 boxes used in the entrapment operation, 33 sacks containing two boxes each, another box of seasoning products and 35 boxes of assorted allegedly counterfeit condiments.
Also seized were three mobile phones, a Mitsubishi L300 van, an Isuzu pickup and the buy-bust money.
Authorities said the allegedly counterfeit Maggi Magic Sarap products had a total estimated market value of P470,400.
CIDG said it conducted a test-buy operation on July 15 and submitted the products to the company’s packaging team for authentication.
The technical examination later confirmed that the products were counterfeit, according to the police report.
Investigators found that the products allegedly came from Manila and were transported to Bacolod aboard a cargo vessel before being sold through social media and other distribution channels.
Dulagan said consumers may distinguish the genuine product through details on the packaging, including an engraved expiration date and the words “Egg” and “Allergen Information” printed in bold capital letters in the ingredients section.
He added that the counterfeit seasoning reportedly had a noticeably unpleasant or fishy smell.
Authorities warned that counterfeit food products may pose health risks because their ingredients, preparation and storage conditions have not been verified.
The arrested suspects were brought to the CIDG-Bacolod office and are facing complaints for alleged trademark infringement and unfair competition under Republic Act 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.*
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