By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP CIDG) on Tuesday said its operatives seized PHP45.4 million worth of smuggled cigarettes under the government’s intensified operations against economic sabotage and illicit trade of commercial products across the country.
In a statement, CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas D Torre III said the three-day operation under Oplan Mega Shopper from April 22 to 24 in Davao, Zamboanga, Cagayan Province, and Bulacan has also resulted in the arrest of six individuals.
On April 22, the CIDG Davao City Field Unit in coordination with the Vices Regulation Unit (VRU) and the Davao City government, seized 38 master cases of Bros cigarettes worth PHP1.2 million.
The CIDG agents also arrested suspects with aliases Al Bhadznur and Jeson for allegedly selling cigarettes without labels and the required “graphic health warnings.”
On April 23, the CIDG Zamboanga City Field Unit in partnership with the Bureau of Customs Region 9, confiscated 70 master cases of alleged smuggled Bravo Original King-brand cigarettes worth PHP3.9 million during a raid in Barangay San Roque, Zamboanga City.
On the same day, the CIDG Cagayan Provincial Field Unit together with the Bureau of Internal Revenue Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) confiscated of 1,214 reams of Two Moon and Modern cigarettes worth PHP95,000 and apprehended Alona in Baggao, Cagayan.
The CIDG Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crime Unit (AFCCU) together with the Bureau of Customs-Manila seized 682 master cases of assorted tobacco products amounting to PHP40.2 million in Barangay Batia, Bocaue, Bulacan on April 24.
The operatives arrested alias Rock, a Chinese national, and a certain Marcial for alleged trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false designation of origin.
Torre emphasized that the government protects and promotes the right to health of the people and instills health consciousness among them, and shields consumers from trade malpractices and from substandard tobacco products.
“We prevented the trade and proliferation of a significant amount and quantity of alleged illicit tobacco products. Thereby, we prevented the health risk these substandard cigarettes may cause, and we arrested the traders who allegedly violate our laws,” said Torre.
“The CIDG is steadfast in enforcing all the laws of the land and relentless in its fight against all criminalities and illegal trade of all consumer products, including cigarettes. We urge the public to just report all crimes and suspicious activities in your communities and your CIDG will do the rest.” (PNA)
