Police seized an estimated P5.2 million worth of counterfeit goods and arrested seven individuals during a buy-bust operation at a commercial establishment in Parañaque City, authorities said Saturday.
Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Specialized Mission and Monitoring Division Field Unit (CIDG-SMMDFU), working with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), conducted the operation at around 12:15 p.m. on 18 December at the third floor of a business establishment in Barangay San Dionisio.
Authorities recovered 386 bales of counterfeit clothing bearing the SHEIN brand, which investigators said were intended for distribution in the local market. Buy-bust money and other evidence were also seized from the site.
The seven suspects, all Filipino adults, were taken into custody and are facing inquest proceedings for alleged violations of Republic Act 3883, which penalizes the sale of counterfeit and pirated goods; Republic Act 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines; and Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
The CIDG said the operation followed surveillance and validation activities confirming that the establishment was being used as a storage and distribution point for counterfeit products marketed online and offline.
PNP Acting Chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the seizure highlights the continuing trade in fake goods despite existing laws and enforcement efforts.
“This operation reflects our commitment to protect the public and legitimate businesses from illegal trade,” Nartatez said. He added that authorities “will not allow people to deceive and exploit the public through counterfeit products.”