THE Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) today confiscated more than P32 million worth of suspected fake cigarettes in Balagtas, Bulacan.
Arrested during the CIDG operation led by PMGen. Albert Ignatius Ferro on Sunday night in Barangay Borol, Balagtas, Bulacan were four suspects identified as Zeng Qiangjian, 42 years old, Lin Shanxiong, 48 years old, John Bejay Agujar, 25 years old, and Rodolfo Brosas, 25 years old.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar lauded the successful operation that resulted to the confiscation of fake products and arrest of the suspects.
Seized from them were the following:
Twenty-seven (27) cartons of Marlboro Light cigarettes (50 ream each carton);
Six (6) cartons Marlboro Red cigarettes (50 ream each carton);
Forty-one (41) cartons Marvel Red cigarettes (50 ream each carton);
Twenty-six (26) cartons Jackpot cigarettes (50 ream each carton);
Forty-one (41) carton Union cigarettes (50 ream each carton);
Fifteen (15) cartons Cambo cigarettes (50 ream each carton);
One hundred sixty-seven (167) cartons of Fortune Blue cigarettes (50 ream each carton);
Forty-nine (49) cartons Mighty Green cigarettes (50 ream each carton);
Six hundred thirty-seven three (637) cartons of Two Moon cigarettes (50 ream each carton);
Ninety-five (95) cartons Fortune Green cigarettes (50 ream each carton); and
Two hundred fourty four (244) carton D & B cigarettes (50 ream each).
Aside from the contraband, authorities also recovered one Isuzu Elf truck with plate no. CBJ 6630, some boodle money and one piece of P1,000.
PGen Eleazar said the successful CIDG operation is proof that the PNP remains focused on its law enforcement functions amid the pandemic.
“Illegal activities continue despite the pandemic and that is the reason we in the PNP are also not lowering our guard against them,” said PGen Eleazar.
The suspects will face charges for alleged violation of Art. 189 of the Revised Penal Code, Violation of R.A. 7394 (The Consumer Act of the Philippines), R.A. 8293 (Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines) and R.A. 1937 (An Act to Revise and Codify the Tariff and Custom Law of the Philippines).