CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna – Police confiscated fake cigarettes valued at P1.6 million from two individuals in an entrapment operation on Thursday morning, January 11, in Barangay San Carlos, Rosario, Batangas.
COUNTERFEIT cigarettes worth P1.6 million were seized on Thursday morning in Rosario, Batangas. (Photo via Danny Estacio)
The Police Regional Office 4-A identified the suspects as “Mark” and “Ronnie,” residents of Barangay Tulos, Rosario town.
Also seized from the suspects were a cellular phone and the boodle money.
The operation was conducted following a complaint from an official of the cigarette company against the suspects for unfair competition and trademark infringement.
The suspects and contraband were taken to the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Batangas Provincial Field Office for documentation and proper disposition.
PRO 4-A Director Police Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas commended operating units for their achievement. “This successful operation is the result of the relentless efforts of our law enforcement agencies in combating intellectual property rights violations and protecting public health,” he said.
Lucas said they remain committed to dismantling illegal operations and bringing perpetrators to justice. “We will do our best to place these violators behind bars and make them feel the full gravity of the law,” he added.
Suspects face charges for violating Republic Act 8293 (Intellectual Property Rights Code of the Philippines) and RA 10643 (An Act to Effectively Instill Health Consciousness through Graphic Health Warnings on Tobacco Products).