NBI arrests alleged seller of overpriced alcohol in Quezon province

The owner of a pharmacy in Sariaya town in Quezon province was arrested on Thursday morning by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) personnel for allegedly selling overpriced ethyl alcohol.

The NBI personnel met with representatives of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Quezon province before the operation.

An agent posed as a buyer then the owner was arrested after the exchange fell through.

The items cost P13,000 that was bought using marked money.

The NBI and DTI personnel also found several gallons of alcohol that were transferred to smaller containers and sold to customers.

The alcohol that were placed in plastic bottles are not properly labelled are sold for P130 each.

The store owner, identified as Jomari Natan, said he is selling alcohol in small containers as a way of helping residents who cannot afford to buy a gallon.

Dominador Villanueva Jr., NBI director in Quezon province, said the suspect is facing charges based on violation of the Price Act in relation to the Bayanihan Act.

He added that they are checking the alcohol is real or fake.

Villanueva said they have been monitoring stores to check if items are sold at the right prices.

On Thursday, an inquest on the suspect has been conducted at the Lucena City Prosecutors Office. -- BAP, GMA News