CIDG RFU3 HAULS TO JAIL 2 CHINESE NATIONALS, SEIZES P80M ILLICIT CIGARETTES IN BULACAN

BY KEVIN GALANG

OPERATIVES of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Thursday arrested two Chinese nationals and seized an estimated P80 million worth of illicit cigarettes following an  entrapment operation in Marilao, Bulacan.

According to CIDG Regional Field Unit 3 (RFU3) chief Col. Grant Gollod, the sting was part of their “Oplan Megashopper” drive.

Led by the CIDG Bataan Provincial Field Unit (PFU), with support from the Marilao police, raided was the warehouse located inside the J1 Industrial Compound on Benedicto St. in Bgy. Prenza 1.

Arrested were alias “Qia,” 34, and alias “Lin,” 38, both Chinese nationals and residents of Grace Tower Condominium in Caloocan City. A third suspect remains at-large.

Authorities said the suspects were nabbed for alleged violations of Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, RA 10643 or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, and RA 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act.

Golod said operatives initially conducted an entrapment against individuals engaged in the sale of illicit tobacco products. 

During the operation, law enforcers discovered several vehicles, including a trailer truck loaded with master cases of undocumented cigarettes stored inside the suspects’ warehouse.

Seized were a trailer truck loaded with HP Red cigarettes, two Isuzu closed and various brands of illicit cigarettes.

Among the confiscated items were three master cases of Nise cigarettes; 122 master cases of Modern cigarettes worth about P7.62 million; 58 master cases of RGD cigarettes valued at around P3.62 million; 20 master cases of Two Moon cigarettes worth approximately P1.25 million; 15 master cases of GTM cigarettes worth about P937,500; 10 master cases of Concord cigarettes valued at around P625,000; eight master cases of HP cigarettes worth about P500,000; and 1,050 master cases of HP Red cigarettes estimated at P65.62 million.

The official said the total value of the seized cigarettes was placed at approximately P80 million, based on a daily price index of P125 per pack.

The arrested suspects were brought to the CIDG Bataan PFU for proper disposition. 

Criminal complaints for violations of RA 7394, RA 10643, and RA 12022 are being prepared for filing in court against the suspects.

Gollod  said the successful  operation underscores the government’s continuing campaign against the proliferation of illicit tobacco products and other forms of economic sabotage.