8 held over fake slimming coffee

Eight people were arrested and P6.1 million worth of alleged counterfeit and trademark-infringing slimming coffee, raw and packaging materials, and production equipment were seized during a warehouse raid in Plaridel, Bulacan, on 6 October.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Northern District Field Unit, with representatives of the trademark owner and in coordination with the Bulacan Police Provincial Office, implemented a search warrant for alleged violations of Republic Act 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

Arrested were a Chinese national, five Filipino men and two Filipino women, all employees of the facility.

According to a report submitted to CIDG director Police Major General Robert Morico II, the suspects were caught in possession and control of the allegedly counterfeit slimming coffee and were reportedly producing and manufacturing the products without authorization from the trademark owner.

The CIDG warned that counterfeit food products could pose serious risks to consumers because they may not have undergone proper regulatory evaluation and could contain toxic or banned substances.

Morico said the Intellectual Property Code protects the exclusive rights of creators, inventors and other intellectual property owners and strengthens enforcement against counterfeiting and trademark infringement.

He commended the CIDG National Capital Region Field Unit, led by Police Colonel John K. Guiagui, and the Northern District Field Unit, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Benedick S. Poblete, for the operation.

The CIDG said the raid underscored its commitment to combating intellectual property violations, counterfeiting and other commercial and economic crimes.

It also urged the public to report suspicious or illicit activities in their communities, saying public safety requires cooperation between law enforcement and the public.

The suspects will face charges for alleged violations of Republic Act 8293.