FAKE seasoning seized in Bacolod City. (CIDG photo)
BACOLOD CITY – Police arrested a 64-year-old Chinese and a 32-year-old woman and confiscated counterfeit seasoning valued at P470,000 in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Mansilingan here on Tuesday, Aug. 4.
The operation was conducted after a manufacturing company filed a complaint over the alleged distribution of fake seasoning products here.
Surveillance was held which confirmed that they were being sold through social media.
A successful test buy was conducted and police launched an undercover operation where the Chinese supplier and reseller were arrested after selling 15 boxes of fake seasoning valued at P30,000.
A representative of the manufacturer verified that the product was counterfeit due to noticeable differences in the trademark, packaging, product quality, and scent.
Recovered from the suspects were 98 boxes of fake seasoning products bearing the brands of two separate manufacturing firms.
Police said the suspects sell the fake products for around P2,000 to P2,500, below the original price of P4,800 per box.
The counterfeit items were allegedly sourced from Manila and transported to this city via cargo vessel.
This was the first seizure of counterfeit seasoning products here this year and police admitted that tracking online sellers remains a challenge.
Police said they are preparing to move against other individuals involved in the illegal trade.
Authorities warned the public about the potential health risks posed by counterfeit food seasonings and urged consumers to carefully inspect products before buying them.
The suspects face charges for violating the country’s Intellectual Property Code.