NBI files raps vs. 2 medical supply stores for selling P10M worth of overpriced thermal scanners, masks

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed criminal complaints against four persons employed by two medical supply stores in Manila that operatives found to be selling overpriced thermal scanners and face masks.

Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete said the arrested persons underwent inquest proceedings at the Manila prosecutor's office Monday afternoon and face complaints for profiteering and hoarding under the Price Act and for unfair or unconscionable sales acts or practices under the Consumer Act.

"No names were issued by the NBI," Perete said in a message to reporters. "The establishments were however identified as Icon Medics Trading and Jasrich Medical Supplies & Medical Equipment."

The NBI earlier said it seized 1,360 pieces of thermal scanners and 7,680 pieces of face masks worth P10 million from the storage room of a store along Rizal Avenue in Sta. Cruz, Manila that it raided last Friday.

NBI Director Eric Distor said the operation stemmed from information that the store was selling thermal scanners for P8,000 each, eight times higher than the regular price. The store had a front door sign that said it was out of thermal scanners and any kind of mask, the NBI said.

The NBI said the assistant manager, cashier, and sales staff of the store were arrested. The owner, who was not in the area at the time, will be charged for the same offenses, the bureau said.

In another operation last Friday, the NBI said its agents raided "Professional Skin Care Formula by Dr. Alvin," an establishment in Taytay, Rizal, for allegedly overpricing isopropyl alcohol.

A poseur customer was able to buy two gallons of alcohol at P750 each, "very much higher than the price dictated by the Department of Trade and Industry," prompting the operation, Distor said.

Agents seized eight gallons of 70% isopropyl alcohol that were also allegedly being sold in smaller bottles. The business owner and a staff member will face charges, the NBI said. -MDM, GMA News