NBI arrests doctor who allegedly overpriced donated thermal scanners

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested a medical doctor who allegedly sold thermal scanners that had been donated to him for several times the suggested retail price.

In one of its latest anti-profiteering operations, the NBI's Special Action Unit arrested Dr. Cedric John Sarmiento De Castro, the alleged chapter president of Lions Club in New Manila, Quezon City, on Tuesday.

De Castro was allegedly selling 150 thermal scanners for P9,500 each, or a total of P1.2 million, the NBI said Wednesday.

"The thermal scanners were further alleged to have been donated to him in his capacity as chapter president of Lions Club," it added.

The NBI said the suggested retail price for thermal scanners is P800 to P1,500.

De Castro was brought to the NBI main office in Manila for booking procedures Tuesday and will undergo inquest at the Quezon City prosecutor's office on Wednesday.

He was arrested on the same day as four persons who were also accused of selling overpriced thermal scanners in Manila.

Earlier this week, the NBI filed profiteering and hoarding complaints against four other people connected to two medical supply stores in Manila that allegedly sold overpriced thermal scanners and face masks.

Agents seized thousands of thermal scanners and medical masks worth more than P10 million during a raid last Friday, the NBI said.—AOL, GMA News