5 traders nabbed, P4.7-M fake cigarettes seized in Negros Occidental
Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) operatives have arrested five individuals for trading P4.7-million worth of alleged illicit cigarettes during an operation in Negros Occidental.
In a statement on Friday, CIDG acting Director Police Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz identified the suspects as Judie, Arnel, Ali, Brian, and Marjun, who were nabbed in separate operations in Purok Ozmenia, Barangay 2 and Barangay Talaban, both in Himamaylan City on Thursday.
They were arrested for selling cigarettes without the required Bureau of Internal Revenue tax stamps and graphic health warnings in violation of Republic Act (RA) 10643 (The Graphic Health Warnings Law).
He said the operation was part of efforts to run after those engaged in the manufacture and trade of counterfeit items and illicit trading of tobacco products across the country.
Seized were 70 boxes of substandard Commando-brand cigarette, 100 boxes of Busco, and 16 boxes of Cannon cigarettes, and an Isuzu closed van used for transport.
Macapaz said the State protects and promotes the right to health of the people, instills health consciousness among them, and protects consumers from trade malpractices and substandard tobacco products.
He noted that the State recognizes that, based on empirical data, text warnings are insufficient in conveying the dangers of tobacco products, while graphic health warnings are shown to be more effective in conveying the truth about the dangers of exposure to and consumption of tobacco smoke.
He commended the CIDG Negros Island Region (NIR) for their swift and responsive police service that resulted in the confiscation of these substandard tobacco products and the arrest of law violators.