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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider CIDG seizes P2.4-B worth of counterfeit cigarettes, manufacturing equipment in Bulacan, Valenzuela raids

CIDG seizes P2.4-B worth of counterfeit cigarettes, manufacturing equipment in Bulacan, Valenzuela raids

Published Nov 7, 2024 05:27 am

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CIDG director Police Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III inspects the raided facility in Bulacan and Valenzuela where counterfeit cigarettes were allegedly being produced and later distributed in various parts of the country. (photo: CIDG)

 

Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized more than P2.4 billion worth of counterfeit cigarettes and manufacturing equipment in a series of operations in Bulacan and Valenzuela.

CIDG director Maj. Gen. Nicanor Torre III said the two-day operations, from Nov. 6-7, also led to the dismantling of a large-scale illegal manufacturing and distribution operation of smuggled cigarettes in the country.

“The operation focused on Bulacan, allegedly the main hub for the illegal production of counterfeit cigarettes, which were then distributed to Valenzuela,” said Torre.

He said around155 trafficked individuals were rescued from the operation.

The operation stemmed from confirmed intelligence reports from both the police and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) about the manufacturing of counterfeit cigarettes in Bulacan.

Armed with a BIR mission order, operatives of the CIDG- Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crime Unit raided the facility and led to the confiscation of counterfeit cigarettes.

“The operation revealed the plant's capacity to produce an estimated 12.9 million cigarettes daily, valued at approximately P 45 million per day,” said Torre.

According to Torre, the total market value of the confiscated items, including production machinery and raw materials, is estimated at P 1.245 billion in the factory in Bulacan. 

Also seized were a significant amount of illicit cigarette brands valued at an estimated P 1.158 billion during three separate operations in Valenzuela.

Foreigners arrested

Torre said several individuals were collared during the operation, including five foreigners identified in their aliases as “Yanliang” , “Rock”, “Zizhan” “Zili”, and “Ziqiang”.

On the other hand, another foreigner identified only as a certain Wu was arrested in Bulacan. 

“They now face charges related to tax evasion, intellectual property violations, and human trafficking, among other crimes,” said Torre.

The arrested suspects have been transferred to the CIDG Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crime Unit (AFCCU) for documentation and further legal processing. 

Meanwhile, all confiscated evidence remains under the temporary custody of the BIR.

 

 

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