A Chinese national was arrested in Cauayan City, Isabela, after authorities seized more than P100,000 worth of allegedly unregistered aerosol insecticides, mosquito coils, and other consumer products during a law enforcement operation on July 1.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Isabela Provincial Field Unit, together with representatives from the Food and Drug Administration and territorial police units, conducted the operation at around 11:40 a.m. at a store in Barangay District 1.
Authorities said the operation was carried out over alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9711, or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Jin,” is a Chinese national, businesswoman, and owner of the store.
Based on a report received by CIDG Director PMGEN Robert AA Morico II, the suspect was allegedly caught selling and trading aerosol insecticides without the required Certificate of Product Registration from the FDA.
Police confiscated 937 pieces of assorted aerosol insecticides, mosquito coils, and other consumer products allegedly not registered with the Department of Trade and Industry. The seized items were valued at P100,972.
Morico said Republic Act No. 9711 requires products covered by the law to secure FDA registration before they may be manufactured, imported, sold, distributed, or transferred.
The CIDG said the sale and distribution of unregistered aerosol insecticides, mosquito coils, and other consumer products bypass government safety and regulatory standards.
It added that because the products had not undergone FDA evaluation, their safety, quality, and efficacy could not be guaranteed.
The CIDG said the operation forms part of its intensified nationwide enforcement campaign in line with the focused program thrust of PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.
CIDG officials commended PCOL Rodrigo B. Soriano, regional chief of CIDG Regional Field Unit 2, and the CIDG Isabela Provincial Field Unit led by PLTCOL Rex G. Pascua for carrying out the operation.
The CIDG said the accomplishment reflects its commitment to stopping illegal trade and other unlawful activities across the country.
It also assured the public that it will continue enforcing laws that protect consumers and pursue violators, whether local or foreign nationals.
The PNP-CIDG and the FDA urged consumers to check the legitimacy of products through the online FDA Verification Portal before buying items such as aerosol insecticides.