NBI confiscates fake insecticide sprays in raid in 4 areas

Operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation raided warehouses and stores in four areas where fake insecticide sprays were allegedly stored and sold.

Boxes of the fake product were confiscated in Lucena in Quezon, Cavite, Batangas and Manila, according to an exclusive report by John Consulta on GMA News' Unang Balita on Monday.

Armed with a search warrant, the NBI conducted the raids after they received a complaint from the manufacturer of the original product.

The NBI said the fake items had the wrong spelling for the brand and also lacked the Food and Drug Administration number.

The bureau warned consumers that although they may save money by buying the fake product, their health may be placed in danger.

Tacloban Worldsun Trading assistant manager Jasmine Chua said the fake insecticide sprays may cost consumers more in the long run.

"Ang chemical contents po nito ay hindi po aprubado ng FDA at sobrang napaka, kumbaga, lubhang mapanganib sa kalusugan ng tao," she said.

"Imbes na makatipid po sila, malaki po ang magagastos nila sa hospitalization," Chua added.

The NBI said it will ask the court to issue an order for the fake items to be destroyed.

Glenn Ricarte, chief of the NBI Intellectual Property Rights Division, said they will file a case of violation of trademark infringement against the people behind the fake items.

The said violation may have a jail term and fine as penalties. —KG, GMA News