MANILA, Philippines – Two men were arrested for allegedly selling counterfeit imported whisky during an entrapment operation in Tondo, Manila Thursday.
Chief Inspector Fernando Opelanio, Manila Police District intelligence head, identified the suspects as Renato Avelino, 53; and Ricky Mendoza, 39.
The two suspects were the subjects of a complaint by broker Marwin Cortez, who said he bought from them nine bottles of Johnnie Walker whisky that turned out to be fake; and lawyer Abel Coloma, Johnnie Walker legal representative.
Opelanio then contacted Noah Arias, product specialist in the Philippines of Johnnie Walker, who verified that the products Cortez bought were fake.
Cortez also received a call from Avelino, who introduced himself as a lawyer named Ed Zamora, the following day. Avelino offered another 12 bottles for P18,000. This prompted Opelanio to form a police team, headed by SPO4 Domingo Alagde, for an entrapment operation.
Opelanio said the two men are being interrogated to determine the source of the fake whisky .
The suspects were charged with violating the intellectual property law, attempted estafa and impersonation before assistant chief prosecutor Viven Andino.