Fake Diet Coffee Worth ₱6.1 Million Seized from Bulacan…

Fake Diet Coffee Worth ₱6.1 Million Seized from Bulacan Warehouse — 8 Arrested

📌 On Tuesday, October 6, eight employees who were producing counterfeit diet (slimming) coffee bearing a stolen trademark were arrested by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) at a warehouse in Parulan, Plaridel, Bulacan. Finished products along with raw materials, packaging, and production equipment worth about ₱6.1 million were seized, and the CIDG warned that fake food products may be harmful to health.

■ Background of the Case
· A field unit of the CIDG's Northern District, acting on a search warrant, raided the warehouse together with representatives of the trademark owner and the Bulacan Provincial Police Office.
· All eight people arrested are employees of the facility: one Chinese national, five Filipino men, and two Filipino women.
· They are accused of producing diet coffee products without the trademark owner's permission.

■ Investigation and Current Status
· The charges are violations of the Intellectual Property Code (Republic Act No. 8293). Daily Tribune reported that they will be charged with these offenses, while SunStar reported that they are under investigation.
· The report did not specify which brand's trademark was involved.

■ Notes for Residents and Travelers
· The CIDG warned that fake food products are not subject to inspection or evaluation by authorities and may contain toxic or prohibited ingredients.
· Buy diet coffee and health supplements only from official stores or trustworthy sellers, and be suspicious of products priced far below market value.
· If you experience any physical symptoms after consuming such products, stop taking them immediately and see a doctor.

■ Sources
Daily Tribune (10/9), SunStar (10/9)