P6.1-M COUNTERFEIT ‘SLIMMING COFFEE’ SEIZED IN BULACAN

BY KEVIN GALANG

CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga – Around P6.1 million worth of alleged slimming coffee products, packaging materials and equipment were seized during the implementation of two search warrants at a warehouse in Plaridel, Bulacan. 

Based on a report submitted to Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez, eight people were arrested during the operation dubbed “Oplan Megashopper.”

Arrested were a Chinese national and seven Filipino workers allegedly involved in repacking and operating the coffee mixing and packaging machines.

Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Northern District Field Unit, in coordination with the Bulacan Police Provincial Office, implemented the search warrant in Bgy. Parulan, Plaridel.

The operation targeted a Chinese national, who was not present during the implementation of the search warrants and remained at large.

The operation was conducted pursuant to Search Warrant Nos. 26-37788 and 26-37789, issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 46 Pairing Judge Phillip Charles G. Santos in Manila.

The warrants covered alleged violations of Sections 155 and 168, in relation to Section 170 of Republic Act 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

Section 155 covers trademark infringement, while Section 168 addresses unfair competition.

Seized were far-infrared heat-shrink packaging and automatic packing machines, large and small coffee mixers, weighing scales, an air compressor, a barcoding device, and packaging pouches and labels. 

Also confiscated were 300 boxes containing empty coffee canisters, 156 boxes of filled  canisters, 200 sacks of spray-dried coffee, 30 sacks of sugar, 20 boxes of plastic wrapping materials and 20 sacks of dextrose monohydrate.

Authorities said the seized items were valued at approximately P6.1 million.

Police said documentation for inquest proceedings involving the arrested individuals was being prepared for the filing of complaints before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor.

CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II said the operation forms part of the agency’s enforcement of intellectual property laws, which seek to protect the exclusive rights of creators, inventors, and other rights holders.

The CIDG warned consumers about the potential health risks posed by counterfeit food products, including slimming coffee.