The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested a 61-year-old Chinese national and seized around 100 boxes of alleged counterfeit food seasoning products worth about ₱500,000 during an operation in Cebu City.

The operation was conducted Sept. 29 in Barangay Sto. Niño by personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), with intelligence personnel, territorial police units and representatives of the concerned brand owner.

The suspect was allegedly caught selling and trading counterfeit seasoning products, according to the PNP.

The operation stemmed from a complaint involving the alleged sale, distribution and possession of counterfeit seasoning products.

Authorities secured the seized items for documentation and proper disposition. The suspect remains in police custody pending the filing of charges under Republic Act No. 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said authorities would continue coordinating with government agencies and rights holders to address complaints involving counterfeit products.

The PNP also urged consumers to exercise caution when buying food and other consumer products, particularly those sold through unauthorized or questionable sources, and to report suspected counterfeit goods to authorities.