Authorities confiscated P1.83 million worth of alleged illegal cigarettes and arrested two men in Barangay Estefania, Bacolod City, recently.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said operatives of the CIDG Negros Occidental Provincial Field Unit and CIDG Negros Island Region Special Operations Team conducted the operation in Buena Royal Subdivision on Jan. 20.
Police identified the arrested suspects as aliases “Primo,” 38, and “Mar,” 32, both residents of Brgy. Estefania, Bacolod City.
Seized from the suspects’ possession were 46 master cases of assorted cigarette brands, including RDG Classics, GTM Filter, Thunder, Green Hills, Cannon, and Modern, with an estimated value of P1,830,000.
CIDG said the cigarettes lacked the required graphic health warnings and Bureau of Internal Revenue tax stamps.
The suspects were caught allegedly selling the cigarettes in violation of Republic Act 10643 or the Graphic Health Warnings on Tobacco Products Act and Republic Act 8424 or the Tax Reform Act of 1997.
CIDG Director MGen. Robert AA Morico II said the intensified operations are in line with the directive of PNP Chief LtGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to curb cigarette smuggling nationwide.
CIDG leadership commended the operating units for the seizure and arrest, and reiterated that operations against illicit tobacco products will continue.
The CIDG urged the public to report the presence of illegal or smuggled cigarette products in their communities as the campaign against violators is ongoing.*