A large-scale counterfeit footwear operation valued at more than P5.26 million was dismantled after the Philippine National Police (PNP) conducted a raid at an industrial facility in San Simon, Pampanga, authorities reported Saturday.

The operation, dubbed Oplan Megashopper, was carried out on January 16 after police implemented a search warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court in Macabebe, Pampanga, for violations of the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (Republic Act 8293).

Joint operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 3 (CIDG RFU 3 RSOT), the Pampanga Provincial Field Unit, and the San Simon Municipal Police Station served the warrant at a warehouse inside an industrial park in Barangay San Pablo Libutad.

During the search, authorities seized hundreds of pairs of counterfeit Crocs slippers in various colors, assorted business documents, and a molding machine allegedly used in producing fake footwear.

Police estimated the value of the confiscated slippers at P513,206, while the molding machine was pegged at P4.75 million, bringing the total value of seized evidence to P5,263,206.

The operation stemmed from information provided by a civilian informant, which was later validated through surveillance and case build-up by CIDG operatives. Complaints from online consumers regarding defective products and inconsistencies with genuine footwear also helped support the enforcement action.

Body-worn cameras were used throughout the operation to ensure transparency and proper documentation, the PNP said.

PNP Chief PLtGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stressed that cracking down on counterfeit goods is crucial to protecting consumers.

“Ang tunay na biktima sa mga ganitong ilegal na gawain ay ang mamamayan. Bumibili sila nang may tiwala, pero nauuwi sa substandard at delikadong produkto,” Nartatez said, adding that the PNP will continue its actions against counterfeiting and market fraud.

He also underscored the importance of protecting legitimate businesses and maintaining public trust in products sold in the market.

The seized items were properly inventoried and turned over to a designated storage facility, while case records are being finalized in coordination with prosecutors.

The PNP reiterated its commitment to sustained enforcement against counterfeit goods and other economic crimes.