CIDG men confiscate P750K fake cigarettes in CDO
AN estimated P750,000 worth of counterfeit cigarettes being sold in Mindanao were confiscated by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in an anti-smuggling operation in Cagayan de Oro City this week.
PNP-CIDG director Maj. Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III said that members of the CIDG Cagayan de Oro City Field Unit conducted the successful buy-bust operation in Bgy. Puerto, Sinacaban, which led to the arrest of three suspects.
The three suspects identified thru their aliases “Jamil,” “Gapor” and “Pendinatar” were caught in the act of trading and selling cigarettes without the graphic health warnings prescribed by the Department of Health (DOH), the official said.
Representatives from the Bureau of Customs , the local police and the Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Company were also involved in the sting, which resulted in the impounding of a wagon used by the suspects to transport P750,000 worth of assorted cigarettes.
The arrested suspects were charged before the Office of the City Prosecutor, Cagayan de Oro City for violation of Republic Act 10643 or The Graphic Health Warnings Law; RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act; RA 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003; and RA 8424 or the Tax Reform Act of 199.
The charges stemmed from the suspects engaging in prohibited tobacco trade; sale and trade of tobacco without the required graphic health warnings; and violations related to tax evasion and untaxed cigarette sales, said Torre.
The official said the Cagayan de Oro City operation was in line with the order of PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil to intensify their campaign against smuggling, economic sabotage, all criminalities, and illegal activities, including the sale and distribution of illicit tobacco products.
“Rest assured that your CIDG is steadfast in enforcing all the laws of the land and relentless in its fight against the illegal trade, importation, use, advertisement, and promotion of cigarettes and other tobacco products. This is to protect the public from potential health hazards, reduce the harm caused by smoking, and ensure that the sale of these products to minors is strictly prevented,” the PNP-CIDG director said.
