Authorities confiscated around ₱6.6 million worth of illegal and expired food products in separate but coordinated operations in Bulacan and Tarlac, leading to the arrest of two individuals, police said Thursday.

On March 25, joint operatives from the Regional Intelligence Division–Regional Special Operations Group 3 (RID-RSOG3), along with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Region 3 and other law enforcement units, conducted an inspection of a warehouse in Barangay Patubig, Marilao, Bulacan.

The operation resulted in the arrest of a 22-year-old Chinese national, identified as the warehouse manager, for violations of the Consumer Act of the Philippines and the Food Safety Act. Authorities discovered an estimated ₱5 million worth of imported food items, including cured meat, oils, sauces, noodles, and other goods, all lacking proper documentation and regulatory compliance.

In a separate operation on March 24, authorities carried out a buy-bust in Barangay Anupul, Bamban, Tarlac, which led to the arrest of a 64-year-old barangay councilor for selling expired food products. Seized during the operation were nearly 19,800 pieces of expired noodles and assorted consumer goods valued at around ₱1.6 million.

All arrested individuals and confiscated items are now under police custody for documentation and proper disposition, with corresponding charges being prepared.

PRO3 Director PBGen. Jess B. Mendez emphasized that operations against illegal and unsafe goods will continue to be intensified to protect public health.

He said authorities will sustain coordinated, intelligence-driven efforts with partner agencies to ensure that only safe and compliant products are distributed in the market.