PNP-CIDG agents seize over P21-M worth of fake cigarettes, medicines
PHILIPPINE National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director Maj. Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III yesterday announced the confiscation of over P21 million worth of sub-standard cigarettes and medicines being sold in the country.
“This is part of our intensified campaign against smuggling, intellectual property rights violation and trade malpractice nationwide as ordered by PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil,” the official said.
Torre said that on Thursday, members of the CIDG Regional Field Unit 11 and Davao del Sur Provincial Field Unit, in coordination with the local police, conducted an anti-cigarette smuggling operation in Bgy. Baybay in Malalag, Davao del Sur.
The operation resulted in the arrest of three men who were caught in the act of selling and unloading from their motorized boat a large volume of assorted brands of cigarettes without the required graphic health warnings signs.
Confiscated by the CIDG operatives were 600 master cases of assorted brands of cigarettes worth at least P21 million, a wing van truck and the motorized boat.
The suspects are facing criminal charges for violation of Republic Act 10643 or The Graphic Health Warnings Law for selling tobacco product without labels and packages that do not contain “graphic health warnings.”
Meanwhile, operatives of the CIDG Detection and Special Operations Unit on Monday arrested in Pasay City the owner of a local business establishment for selling P500,000 worth of unregistered medicines.
The suspect identified as alias “Wen” was placed under arrest during the entrapment operation which resulted in the confiscation of suspected counterfeit medicines and prescription drugs, including glucose injections, antibiotics, herbal supplements, and pain relief medications worth at least half-a-million pesos.
The suspect was charged for violation of RA 9711 or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009 for selling unregistered or misbranded health products.
Torre emphasized that the State protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. It also protect consumers from trade malpractices and from substandard tobacco products.
“The Graphic Health Warnings Law is a very important law to protect the health of our consumers. It must be strictly followed,” he said.
