Authorities arrested two men and seized nearly P1.8 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during an operation in Barangay Estefania in Bacolod City, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)–Negros Occidental reported.
CIDG operatives arrested the suspects—identified only as “Primo,” 38, and “Mar,” 32—on January 20 while they were selling and trading assorted cigarette brands. Both suspects reside in the same barangay.
Investigators said the cigarettes lacked the required graphic health warnings and tax stamps from the Bureau of Internal Revenue, violating laws that regulate tobacco products.
Operatives confiscated 46 master cases of assorted cigarettes with an estimated value of P1,830,000, which authorities believe formed part of an illegal distribution operation.
The CIDG will charge the suspects for violating Republic Act 10643, or the Graphic Health Warning Law, and Republic Act 8424, or the Tax Reform Act of 1997.
The CIDG said the operation reinforces the government’s drive to protect public health, promote awareness of tobacco-related risks, and prevent the circulation of illicit and substandard cigarette products.
Authorities stressed that graphic health warnings effectively communicate the dangers of smoking, noting that text-only warnings often fail to deter tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.
The CIDG pledged to intensify enforcement operations and urged the public to report the sale or distribution of illegal tobacco products in their communities.
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.