Over P2-M worth of 'dangerous' fake shampoo, body care products seized

More than P2 million worth of fake shampoo, soap, and lotion were seized in warehouses in Manila and in Nueva Ecija last April 22. 

According to John Consulta’s exclusive report in “24 Oras” on Thursday, operatives from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD) raided the warehouses through a search warrant. 

Authorities discovered over 55,000 pieces of counterfeit body care products. 

The NBI said the counterfeit products—which mimic everything from the shape to the packaging of the originals—are being sold online.

“The key indicators to determine that it is not original are the color of the packaging. The box of the counterfeit version is faded, and secondly, the price is nearly half that of the original. However, its other features look exactly the same,” said Terrence Agustin, chief of NBI-IPRD. 

Upon the examination of the confiscated products, the NBI discovered ingredients used in their manufacture that reportedly pose a danger. 

“There are traces of heavy metals and other chemicals that are truly dangerous. This is hazardous for users, especially for children,” said Agustin. 

“The fake products contain harmful ingredients such as heavy metals and prohibited preservatives. These can cause allergies and skin damage, especially in children. They are dangerous because they underwent no safety testing and lack the necessary permits from the FDA,” said Agustin. 

The counterfeit products have been confiscated and are scheduled for destruction once the court issues an order. 

The owners of the establishments involved have yet to release a statement regarding the complaints filed against them for violating the Intellectual Property Rights Code and the Food and Drug Administration Law. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA News