The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group seized an estimated ₱150 million worth of alleged substandard heated tobacco products and traditional cigarettes during simultaneous operations at two warehouses in Bacolor, Pampanga.
The CIDG said its Special Operations Team, Regional Field Unit 3, Pampanga Provincial Field Unit, Tarlac Provincial Field Unit, Police Regional Office 3, and local police units implemented search warrants from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on July 13 at warehouses operated by Arborland Holdings Inc. in Barangay Calibutbut.
The search warrants were issued over alleged violations of Republic Act No. 7394, or the Consumer Act of the Philippines.
A report submitted to CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert AA Morico II showed that authorities confiscated around ₱145 million worth of assorted heated tobacco products and ₱5 million worth of cigarettes.
The products were reportedly stored in unlabeled master cases, bore expired tax stamps and outdated graphic health warnings, and lacked the required clearance from the National Tobacco Administration.
Morico said the government has a responsibility to protect consumers, promote their welfare, establish standards for businesses and industries, and prevent unfair trade practices and the proliferation of illicit tobacco products.
He also stressed the importance of enforcing Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, which requires highly visual, picture-based health warnings on tobacco product packaging to communicate the dangers of smoking.
The CIDG director said the operation also supported the government’s efforts to protect public revenues through the proper collection of excise taxes and the strict enforcement of laws against the manufacture, distribution, sale, and possession of illicit tobacco products.
CIDG Regional Field Unit 3 is preparing criminal charges against the warehouse owners, who remain at large.