ILOILO CITY – Police seized fake cigarettes valued at P1.1 million from a 57-year-old businessman before dawn here on Saturday, October 12.
The Iloilo City Police Office identified the suspect as Rogel from Lapuz District.
POLICE recovered fake cigarettes valued at more than P1.1 million in Iloilo City on Saturday, Oct. 12. (PNP/ICPO-CIU)
Lawmen recovered boxes of counterfeit cigarettes with brand names Camel, Marvel Green, Marvel Red, Mighty Green, and Winston Red.
Rogel was arrested on a search warrant implemented by the ICPO intelligence unit led by Police Lt. Col. Dante Tayco and Lt. Herald Quiambao.
The warrant was issued following complaints filed against Rogel by Japan Tobacco Inc. and JT International S.A. for violating the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.
ICPO chief Police Col. Kim Legada lauded operating units for their accomplishment.
“This operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting the public from illegal products,” said Legada. “The ICPO remains dedicated to safeguarding the rights of legitimate businesses and ensuring that violators are held accountable.”
Police Major Shella Mae Sangrines, ICPO public information officer, said the intelligence unit was backed by the Iloilo City Mobile Force Company (ICMFC), the Special Weapons and Tactics team led by Lt. Leo Angelo Castro, and Police Station 2.