FOUR persons are facing charges for violation of food and drug administration law and price act for allegedly selling overpriced alcohol amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) threat.
Charged were Percy Datoy, 24, and Yobryte Unabia, 37, both residents of Barangay Carmen; and Jerome Quiachon, 32, of Barangay Macasandig; and Daniel Casino, 22, of Barangay Tablon.
Members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Northern Mindanao arrested the four in an entrapment operation in Barangay 33, Cagayan de Oro City over the weekend.
The suspects allegedly sold 90 percent ethyl alcohol to a police poseur buyer at an overpriced amount (more than 10 percent of the suggested retail price) with a total market value of P23,000.
CIDG-Northern Mindanao Deputy Chief Lieutenant Colonel Napoleon Carpio said the suspects are selling 150ml alcohol at P120 when a 500ml bottle is sold only at P70.
Seized during the operation were nearly 300 plastic bottles containing alcohol in different volume, one pad of receipts and business permit.
Carpio said the charges against the four were filed on Monday, March 23.
"We are appealing to the public not to engaged with this kind of profiteering activity especially now that we are facing this kind of crisis. The PNP (Philippine National Police) and the CIDG in particular will continue to conduct operation against those personalities and entities and other law violators with DTI/FDA (Department of Trade and Industry/Food and Drug Administration) to protect our public and consumers," Carpio said.