The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized more than P2.6 million worth of alleged illicit cigarettes in separate operations in Negros Occidental and Batangas, arresting three suspects accused of selling tobacco products without required health warnings and tax markings.
In a report to CIDG Director Police Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II, police said the operations were carried out on May 22 as part of the government’s intensified campaign against illegal and substandard tobacco products.
In Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, CIDG operatives confiscated 42 master cases and 73 reams of cigarettes in Barangay Hilamonan at around 11 pm. Authorities said the products lacked the required graphic health warnings and Bureau of Internal Revenue tax stamps.
The seized cigarettes in Negros Occidental were valued at about P2.323 million. A male suspect was arrested after he was allegedly caught selling tobacco products.
Earlier that day, at around 2:30 pm, CIDG personnel in Batangas arrested a couple in Barangay Malaruhatan, Lian, for allegedly selling assorted cigarettes that also lacked the required graphic health warnings and cigarette package warnings.
The Batangas haul was valued at around P300,000.
Authorities said the two operations brought the total value of seized cigarettes to P2.623 million.
The CIDG said the campaign is in line with the state policy of protecting public health and shielding consumers from trade malpractice, substandard tobacco products, and illicit cigarette distribution.
Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, requires picture-based health warnings on tobacco product packaging to inform the public of the dangers of smoking. Republic Act No. 9211, or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, also requires cigarette packages sold in the country to carry specific rotating health warnings.
The police agency commended its regional and provincial field units in Calabarzon and the Negros Island Region for the successful operations.
The CIDG said it would continue enforcing laws against illicit, smuggled, and substandard cigarettes, including operations targeting illegal manufacturing and distribution networks across the country.