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'Matalas ang pang-amoy': Cops seize P1.1B tobacco products, equipment in illegal cigarette factory raid in Cebu

Philippines | National

'Matalas ang pang-amoy': Cops seize P1.1B tobacco products, equipment in illegal cigarette factory raid in Cebu

By Aaron Recuenco

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The supposed perfect hiding place for illegal manufacturing of cigarettes did not escape the police’s keen sense of smell after around P1.1 billion worth of fake tobacco products and manufacturing equipment in a raid in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on Friday, April 10.

Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said the manufacturing of the cigarettes is illegal due to questionable documents relating to its operations, including falsified tax stamps.

He said the operation led to the arrest of four Chinese who are now facing charges for falsification and use of falsified documents under Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code.

“This operation reflects the intensified efforts of the police to shut down illegal manufacturing activities that undermine government revenue and public trust,” said Nartatez.

The operation stemmed from confirmed intelligence reports of a cigarette manufacturing site in Barangay Basak.

Armed with a search warrant, police swooped down on a warehouse facility located in an industrial park in the barangay and resulted in the discovery of the cigarette production site.

Seized were thousands of boxes of cigarettes bearing suspected falsified tax stamps, along with machines and raw materials used in production.

“We will go after those who think they can hide behind warehouses and illegal schemes,” Nartatez said.

He also warned the public and businesses against engaging in or supporting illicit trade.

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