Chinese, five others arrested for selling overpriced face masks, vitamins

April 22, 2020

A Chinese and five others were arrested in an entrapment operation for allegedly selling overpriced face masks and vitamins not authorized by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).

According to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), the suspects were arrested last Monday along Narra corner P Algue Street, Tondo.

Arrested were Dong Li, Andrew Gan Cua, Israel Najera, Ropy Dejucos, Ike Valenciano, and Teodoro Berbabe Jr.

The operation stemmed from an intelligence report regarding the alleged selling of face masks and vitamins with prices higher than the suggested retail price set by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Authorities recovered three boxes of face masks, 18 boxes of multi-vitamin capsules, and one box of 600 pieces testing kits amounting to P1, 069, 000.

NCRPO chief Police Major General Debold Sinas reminded the public that selling overpriced medical supplies is against the law.

"Since the implementation of the ECQ, we have reiterated that hoarding and selling of essential medical supplies at a price higher than that set by DTI is against the law. With the advent of technology, these hoarders were able to utilize social media to facilitate their illegal intent,” Sinas said.

“So please, we are in the middle of a health crisis here and the worst that you can do is take advantage of our people for profit," he added.

The arrested persons will be facing charges for violating the Bayanihan Act, Consumer Act, Price Act and Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act. Ella Dionisio/DMS