GUIGUINTO, Bulacan — A Chinese national and a Filipino were arrested in an operation triggered by an online transaction that led to the seizure of around 5,000 pieces of alleged counterfeit and unregistered health products worth an estimated P600,000 in Guiguinto, Bulacan.
Under the leadership of P/Gen Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., chief, Philippine National Police (PNP), personnel of the Anti-Organized Crime Unit of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (AOCU-CIDG) conducted an entrapment operation at Grandmax Industry Park A37, Barangay Daungan, Guiguinto, Bulacan recently.
The operation followed information regarding the alleged online sale of the products. A test-buy transaction conducted through an online marketplace helped police establish the transaction and led to the conduct of the entrapment operation.
Police recovered around 5,000 pieces of Geisha soap with an estimated market value of P600,000.00, along with the product involved in the test-buy transaction and a sample item. The seized products were secured for proper examination and disposition, while the two arrested individuals were placed under the custody of the operating unit for appropriate legal proceedings.
PGen Nartatez said the operation demonstrates the importance of acting on information while an alleged illegal activity is still being detected at the point of distribution.
“Minsan, isang online transaction can give us the lead we need to uncover a bigger operation. Kaya kapag may credible information, we have to check it properly and act at the right time. Ang mahalaga, we protect the public while making sure that every step we take is lawful and fair,” PGen Nartatez said.
The Chief PNP also stressed that the growing use of online platforms for commercial transactions requires law enforcement to remain responsive to emerging schemes, while ensuring that investigations are based on evidence and conducted with respect for due process. (UnliNews Online)
Source: PNP-PIO
