A CIDG operative inspects the master cases of cigarettes which were confiscated after a raid in Victoria, Tarlac for violation of the Republic Act 10643 or “Graphic Health Warnings Law”. (photo: CIDG)
Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized around P5 million worth of cigarettes in a raid in Victoria town of Tarlac for alleged questionable source and violation of required graphic health warnings.
CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II said the operation that was carried out on Saturday, Dec. 13, also resulted in the arrest of a 37-year old suspect who was caught in possession of the 317 master cases of assorted tobacco products.
Morico said the operation was based on the intelligence report of possible violation of the Republic Act 10643 or “Graphic Health Warnings Law”.
“The law protects and promotes the right to health of the people and instills health consciousness among them; and protects consumers from trade malpractices and from substandard tobacco products,” said Morico.
“With the confiscation of the said cigarettes, the public is protected from potential health hazards, the harm caused by smoking is reduced, and the sale of these products to minors is significantly prevented,” said Morico.
Appropriate criminal charges are now being readied against the arrested suspect.
The confiscated items will be used as pieces of evidence in the case that will be filed against the suspect, the CIDG said.