By Glazyl Masculino
Police confiscated nearly ₱470,000 worth of counterfeit seasoning products in a buy‑bust operation in Barangay Mansilingan on Tuesday, Aug. 4, following a complaint from a manufacturing company.
Authorities said surveillance confirmed the fake products were being sold online.
A test buy was arranged, leading to an undercover operation where suspects — a 64‑year‑old Chinese national and a 32‑year‑old woman — were caught selling 15 boxes of counterfeit seasoning valued at ₱30,000.
A representative of the manufacturer verified the items as fake, citing differences in trademark, packaging, product quality, and scent.
Police then seized 98 more boxes of counterfeit seasoning from the suspects, bearing the brands of two separate firms.
Investigators said the products were allegedly sourced from Manila and shipped to Bacolod via cargo vessel.
The suspects reportedly sold them for around ₱2,000 to ₱2,500 per box, far below the original price of ₱4,800.
This marks the first seizure of counterfeit seasoning in Bacolod this year.
Police admitted tracking online sellers remains a challenge but vowed to pursue others involved in the illegal trade.
The suspects face charges under the Intellectual Property Code.
