P10.9M cigarettes seized for lacking health warnings, 2 nabbed

MANILA, Philippines — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Tuesday said its operatives in Davao Oriental confiscated P10.9 million worth of cigarettes that allegedly lacked the mandated health warnings, leading to the arrest of three individuals.

The first batch of the purported contraband worth P8.1 million was discovered by the police in Baranagay San Ignacio in Manay town on Saturday night, according to a statement from the CIDG.

READ: PNP: P28.67-M cigarettes seized, 2 nabbed in Puerto Princesa City

The three suspects were also caught in the Saturday night operation.

Only identified as male individuals, the three suspects were arrested for “possessing, [controlling], and allegedly hauling for trading 81 master cases of Cannon brand cigarettes without the required graphic health warnings and BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) tax stamps.”

A follow-up operation on Sunday afternoon recovered another batch of the supposed contraband worth P2.8 million as well as a van truck allegedly used to transport the products, the CIDG added.

Although the CIDG did not immediately disclose the current disposition of the three arrested suspects, the police noted that they face a case for violating Republic Act No. 10643 or the Graphic Health Warnings Law. /apl