P5-M fake designer goods seized in raids

Some P5 million worth of fake designer goods were confiscated by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in raids on stalls at the 168 Mall and two warehouses all located in Binondo, Manila.

Attorney Jose Justo Yap, head of the NBI Intellectual Property Rights Division (NBI-IPRD), said they raided the establishments found selling counterfeit Louis Vuitton and DKNY products.

Last Aug. 23, agents first raided a stall located at the ground floor of the 168 Mall annex building on Sta. Elena street in Binondo Manila. The stall was registered to Jambalaya General Merchandise.

They then proceeded to warehouses located at the Fortune Palace Building and the Pacific Mansion Building, also in Binondo.

Yap said the raids were conducted on the strength of search warrants issued by Judge Reynaldo Ros, of Branch 33 of the Manila City Regional Trial Court.

Special Investigator Adjutor Larosa said the operation was based on the complaint lodged by representatives of Louis Vuitton and DKNY before the NBI-IPRD.

Before raiding the establishments, agents first conducted a 19-day surveillance operation and several test buys.

"The DKNY bags in these establishments are sold cheap because they are poor imitations. The original product costs P10,000, while the fakes sell for only P300," Larosa said.

Agents seized a total of 1,500 bags and wallets.

Larosa said the goods were smuggled from China.

The confiscated items have been taken to a private independent warehouse while charges of unfair competition are being readied against the owners. — Evelyn Macairan