NBI seizes P2.5-million fake toothbrushes

MANILA, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has seized 159,900 pieces of fake Springmaid toothbrushes worth P2.5 million in successive raids in Binondo, Manila recently.

In a report released yesterday, NBI Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD) chief Elfren Meneses said the raids stemmed from complaints lodged by Placel Manufacturing Co. Inc.

The NBI-IPRD raided units in Juan Luna Plaza and Doña Maria Lim buildings, and a warehouse on Fundidor street, all in Binondo, on Feb. 24.

The NBI-IPRD operatives were armed with search warrants issued by Manila Regional Trial Court Judge Reynaldo Ros.

The owners and operators of the raided establishments are facing charges for violating Section 168 of Republic Act 8293, the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.   – Sandy Araneta