Two arrested over PHP 470,000 fake seasoning haul

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Bacolod arrested a 64-year-old Chinese national and a 32-year-old woman after authorities seized PHP 470,000 worth of counterfeit seasoning during an entrapment operation in Barangay Mansilingan on Tuesday.

Police Maj. Christopher Dulagan, CIDG-Bacolod chief, said a manufacturing company reported the alleged circulation of counterfeit seasoning in the city last month and sought the agency’s assistance.

CIDG personnel conducted verification and monitoring activities after finding that the counterfeit products were also being sold on social media.

Authorities launched the entrapment operation after validating the report and conducting a test buy last month.

The operation led to the arrest of the alleged Chinese supplier and the female reseller, who sold 15 boxes of seasoning worth PHP 30,000 to undercover officers.

Dulagan said the manufacturer confirmed that the seized products were counterfeit after identifying differences in the trademarks, packaging, quality, and scent.

Authorities confiscated 98 boxes of counterfeit seasoning bearing the brands of two manufacturing companies.

Investigators said the products were allegedly sourced from Manila and transported to Bacolod City aboard a cargo vessel.

Dulagan said the seizure was the city’s first involving counterfeit seasoning this year following a similar operation last year.

He said identifying and tracking online resellers remained a challenge because the products were being marketed through social media.

CIDG-Bacolod is preparing another operation after investigators obtained information about other people allegedly involved in the illegal trade.

Dulagan warned that counterfeit seasoning could pose health hazards and advised consumers to inspect products carefully before buying them from markets or online sellers.

Several individuals contacted CIDG-Bacolod to express concern after news of the operation became public, he said.

Dulagan urged people with information about the distribution of counterfeit products to report it to the proper authorities.

The two suspects provided investigators with limited information and will face charges for alleged violations of intellectual property rights.