In a significant crackdown, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) conducted a raid in Pasay City, uncovering counterfeit Gucci products valued at PHP42 million. The operation, executed on January 21, was initiated following a complaint from an authorized Gucci representative about the proliferation of fake items using the luxury brand’s trademark. The raid on Stratum Merchandising led to the confiscation of 1,675 pieces of counterfeit goods, highlighting the ongoing battle against trademark infringement in the Philippines.
In a separate but equally impactful operation, the NBI also seized 22 tons of smuggled frozen meat from China in Caloocan City on January 20. This action followed a tip from the National Meat Inspection Service regarding the sale of illegal meat at prices significantly below market value. The sting operation resulted in the arrest of five individuals: Melba Cabenian, Mark Christian Mission, Bregido Elbiña, Rinie Sanchez, and Ana Cristina Galvez, who are now facing charges under the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines and the Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act of 2024. The mastermind behind the meat smuggling, Kiel Rozzan Barbado Mendoza, managed to evade capture and remains at large.