• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection (CIDG) Group seized about P4.7 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during a buy-bust in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on July 10.
In a report, the CIDG-Negros Island Region said the operation led to the arrest of five suspects, with aliases of Judie, Arnel, Ali, Brian and Marjun, who were caught in the act of selling cigarettes without the required Bureau of Internal Revenue (NIR) tax stamps and graphic health warnings, which is a violation of Republic Act 10643 (The Graphic Health Warnings Law).
CIDG reports say they were caught selling substandard Commando-brand cigarettes in Purok Ozmenia, Barangay 2, Himamaylan City.
This resulted to the seizure of 70 boxes and the Isuzu closed van used for transport.
A follow-up operation at Taleon Beach Resort, Barangay Talaban also led to the arrest of Brian and Marjun, who were caught loading a Mitsubishi Canter truck with 100 boxes of “Busco” and 16 boxes of “Cannon” cigarettes without BIR tax stamps.
Last week, an estimated P8.3 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes were also seized by the CIDG and the Philippine National Police Maritime Command in Barangay Tangub, Bacolod City.
Three suspects were arrested by the police, for their involvement in the smuggling activity.
The CIDG has intensified its nationwide operations against smuggling, economic sabotage, and violations of special laws, including the sale and distribution of illicit tobacco products.*
