Manila: The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized a combined PHP6.46 million worth of counterfeit seasoning and unregistered condiments in separate operations in Cebu and Southern Leyte, resulting in the arrest of a Chinese national and two other individuals.

According to Philippines News Agency, in a belated news release over the weekend, CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II stated that a 42-year-old Chinese national was arrested at a Cebu City warehouse on August 6 for trading PHP4.22 million worth of counterfeit seasoning products. The suspect now faces charges under the Intellectual Property Code.

In Southern Leyte, the CIDG, in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration, arrested two individuals on August 3 for distributing PHP2.24 million worth of unregistered cooking oil and soy sauce without the necessary legal authorization. 'Regulatory requirements are in place to protect consumers, and bypassing them will not be tolerated. We will ensure that those who disregard these safeguards are held accountable under the law,' Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

In a separate series of operations over the weekend, two anti-drug operations in Cabanatuan City on August 8 and 9 resulted in the arrest of four high-value individuals and the seizure of PHP1.9 million worth of suspected shabu, marijuana, and cannabis vapes. The operations netted PHP400,248 worth of shabu in Barangay Sumacab Norte and PHP1.51 million worth of cannabis-related products in Barangay Lagare.