P500-M fake goods seized in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized more than P500 million worth of fake and smuggled goods in separate raids in Manila last Thursday and yesterday.

The raids were conducted by the CIDG Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Unit with the help of Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, Bureau of Customs and the National Bureau of Investigation.

Chief Inspector Elizabeth Jasmin said thousands of boxes of fake seasoning products were seized in a warehouse along La Torre street in Tondo, Manila last Thursday.

Meanwhile, smuggled batteries, steel buttons, children’s goods and perfumes were found in seven warehouses on Rivera street, also in Tondo, yesterday. Authorities also seized fake National Basketball Association jerseys in another warehouse.

The owners of the warehouses are facing charges for violating the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

Jasmin said the confiscated goods may be donated if they do not pose any safety hazards. – Alexis Romero, Edu Punay