PNP intensifies drive against counterfeit products

The Philippine National Police has intensified its campaign against the sale of fake cigarettes.

PNP Deputy Director General for Operation Danilo Constantino, upon instructions from PNP Chief Director General Ricardo C. Marquez, has tapped the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for the drive against counterfeit products, including cigarettes.

Constantino said the CIDG has been closely coordinating with concerned government agencies such as the Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Internal Revenue to go after individuals or groups selling fake goods.

Constantino said the teams involved in the drive have reported apprehending several distributors and suppliers of fake cigarettes being sold in shopping malls and markets and charged with violation of Republic Act 8293. The charges were filed by the police in Llanera, Nueva Ecija, and in Imus City, Cavite.

Even ambulant vendors who sell fake cigarettes are not spared from the campaign. Recently, police nabbed two vendors selling fake Mighty and Marvel cigarettes in San Jose City in Nueva Ecija based on complaints from several wholesale stores in the city.

San Jose City police Chief Supt. Nolie Azuncion said charges have been filed against the vendors.

Constantino said they would further strengthen the campaign to root out this counterfeit problem.