THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) intensified its crackdown on counterfeit goods, confiscating nearly P49.5 million worth of fake products in separate operations in Bulacan and Metro Manila.
In Malolos, Bulacan, operatives of the NBI–Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD) seized 391 counterfeit Louis Vuitton bags and wallets worth P34.9 million.
According to NBI-IPRD Chief Rodolfo Ignacio Jr., “Dumulog sa aming opisina ang representative, nagkaroon ng test buy at surveillance. Nakapag-order muna online, at doon natukoy ang nagbebenta.”
He noted the difference between authentic and fake items.
“Hindi siya leather, synthetic lang. Sa Makati lang nabibili ‘yung ganito,” Ignacio explained.
Meanwhile, on Sept. 3 to 4, the NBI–National Capital Region (NCR) raided 19 stores and five warehouses in Pasay, Manila, Valenzuela, Malabon, and Quezon City.
Agents seized more than 31,000 counterfeit lingerie and beauty products, along with nearly 15,000 body care items, all valued at P14.5 million.
The operations were conducted peacefully, with barangay officials serving as witnesses. (ABS-CBN News)
