CIDG seizes P16.6 'substandard' lighters in Bulacan warehouse raid
CIDG operatives conduct inventory of the alleged substandard lighters following a raid on a warehouse in Bulacan. (photo: CIDG)
Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized around P16.6 million worth of what they described as substandard lighters following the arrest of a foreigner in a raid on a warehouse in Pulilan, Bulacan.
Acting CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert AA Morico II said the operation was conducted in Barangay Sta. Peligrina in Pulian town confirmed intelligence reports that the area was being used for storage of fake commodities.
Armed with a search warrant, CIDG operatives swooped down on the warehouse on Sept. 25 and confiscated 3,320 boxes of alleged substandard lighters valued at P16.6 million.
They also arrested a 31-year old Chinese, the alleged warehouse manager, while allegedly engaging in trading, distribution, and storage of the lighters.
Morico said the lighters were being sold without the required clearance from the Department of Trade and Industry–Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI–BPS).
“The absence of the required Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) or Philippine Standard (PS) mark on the subject products constitutes a violation of consumer protection standards, thus falling short of legal requirements and rendering them unfit for trading,” said Morico.
He then urged the public to be vigilant in buying consumer products by checking for the DTI certification or clearance, and report to CIDG all suspicious and illegal trading in your localities.