CIDG seizes P2.4B worth of counterfeit cigarettes, rescues 155

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized P2.403 billion worth of counterfeit cigarettes and manufacturing equipment from facilities in Bulacan and Valenzuela on November 6 and 7.

In a factory in San Rafael, Bulacan, CIDG confiscated illegal cigarettes, production machinery, raw materials valued at P1.245 billion, and rescued 155 trafficked individuals.

The facility was capable of producing 12.9 million counterfeit cigarettes daily, each batch worth P45 million, making it a major hub for the illicit cigarette trade.

CIDG also recovered an additional P1.158 billion worth of counterfeit cigarettes in three separate operations in Valenzuela City.

Among the suspects arrested were foreign nationals identified as 'Yanliang,' 'Rock,' 'Zizhan,' 'Zili,' and 'Ziqiang' in Valenzuela, and 'WU' in Bulacan.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue is holding the seized items temporarily, while CIDG prepares to file charges against the suspects for violating various laws including RA 9208 (Anti-Trafficking Act) and RA 8293 (Intellectual Property Code).