OPERATIVES of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized smuggled cigarettes worth PHP28.9 million during a two-day operation in Zamboanga City.
In a statement on Saturday, CIDG Acting Director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said the operation took place in Barangay Patalon from 11:20 p.m. on Nov. 27 to 5 p.m. on Nov. 28. The effort was led by CIDG-Zamboanga City in coordination with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and other law enforcement agencies under BIR Mission Order 00060479.
Authorities confiscated 506 cases of assorted cigarette brands valued at PHP28,993,800. The cigarettes lacked the required internal revenue stamps, making them contraband under the National Internal Revenue Code.
The seized items are now in BIR custody for documentation and legal proceedings against the facility owner.
“The CIDG assures the public of its unwavering commitment to enforcing anti-criminality campaigns and putting a stop to illegal and criminal activities,” Torre stated.