CIDG: 'Substandard' cigarettes, vehicles seized in Davao del Sur

A shipment of alleged substandard cigarettes and three vehicles were seized in an entrapment operation in Malalag, Davao del Sur early Thursday morning, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said.

In a statement, the CIDG said three suspects identified as "Christian", "Ibrahim" and "Rodel" were arrested over cigarettes without the mandatory health graphic warning signs.

"They were caught in the act of selling and unloading from the motorized boat and transferring to the waiting closed van and wing van truck large volume of assorted brands of cigarettes without the required graphic health warning signs," the CIDG said.

According to the CIDG, seized from the operation were 600 master cases of assorted brands of cigarettes, one closed van, one wing van truck, and one boat. The contraband and vehicles have a total estimated value of P21 million.

The cigarettes were deemed "substandard" by the CIDG.

Meanwhile, the arrested persons have been charged before the National Prosecution Service for the violation of the Graphic Health Warnings Law.

"Rest assured that your CIDG is steadfast and relentless in enforcing all laws and will catch all violators, local or foreign nationals, whether they committed crimes on land or in Philippine sea," CIDG chief Police Major General Nicolas Torre III said.

"We urge the public to report to us all violations of law and all forms of criminalities in your localities, and your CIDG will do the rest," he added. — VDV, GMA Integrated News