CIDG seizes PHP 1.8-M smuggled cigarettes in Bacolod

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Two individuals were arrested and PHP 1.8 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were confiscated in Barangay Estefania here, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Negros Occidental reported.

The suspects, identified only as “Primo,” 38, and “Mar,” 32, both residents of the same village, were apprehended on Jan. 20 during an operation by CIDG operatives.

Authorities said the suspects were caught selling and trading assorted cigarettes that lacked the required graphic health warnings and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) tax stamps.

The violations fall under Republic Act (RA) 10643, or the Graphic Health Warning Law, and RA 8424, or the Tax Reform Act of 1997.

Seized from the suspects were 46 master cases of assorted tobacco products with an estimated value of PHP 1,830,000.

The CIDG emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting public health, raising health consciousness, and shielding consumers from trade malpractices and substandard tobacco products.

The agency noted that while text warnings have proven insufficient in communicating the dangers of tobacco use, graphic health warnings are more effective in discouraging consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke.

This operation is part of CIDG’s ongoing nationwide crackdown on cigarette smuggling.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to strictly enforce the law and pursue all violators.

It also urged the public to report any information on the trade or distribution of illegal tobacco products in their communities.