Photo courtesy of PNP Maritime Group
Police seized about Php 167,551 worth of cigarettes allegedly being sold without required graphic health warnings and tax stamps during an operation in Capiz, authorities said.
The operation was conducted at around 5:30 a.m. on Sept. 3 by the Capiz Maritime Police Station and several other law enforcement units through search warrants.
Authorities arrested one suspect and recovered various cigarette products bearing the brands Farstar, D&J, Mighty Green, RGD Red, Modern Red and Bosque.
According to the PNP Maritime Group, the seized products allegedly lacked graphic health warnings and Bureau of Internal Revenue excise tax stamps required under Philippine regulations.
The operation was conducted in connection with suspected violations of Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, and provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code governing tobacco products.
Personnel from the Capiz Regional Intelligence Unit, Naval Forces Central, Philippine Coast Guard intelligence unit in Capiz, Pontevedra Municipal Police Station and the Capiz Provincial Police Office intelligence unit assisted in the operation.
The arrested individual and the confiscated products were brought to the Capiz Maritime Police Station for documentation and further legal proceedings.
Authorities said the operation formed part of continuing enforcement efforts against the illegal distribution and sale of tobacco products. The suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.