CIDG seizes nearly P800M in illegal cigarettes; 10 Chinese arrested in Negros

Authorities seized nearly P800 million worth of suspected illegal cigarettes and arrested 10 Chinese nationals in an operation in Negros Occidental, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said Monday.

At a press briefing, CIDG spokesperson Police Maj. Helen dela Cruz said the operations conducted from April 21 to 22 took place in Bogo City and Bacolod City.

“Ang atin pong operation resulted in the arrest of 10 Chinese nationals. Mayroon pa rin tayong at-large suspects na under ongoing investigation at hinahanap ang kanilang whereabouts,” Cruz said.

(Our operation resulted in the arrest of 10 Chinese nationals. There are still suspects at large who are under ongoing investigation, and their whereabouts are being tracked.)

“Na-rescue rin po natin ang 15 Filipino workers. Sila po ay alleged victims of trafficking in persons,” she added.

(We also rescued 15 Filipino workers. They are alleged victims of trafficking in persons.)

The operations stemmed from mission orders issued by the National Tobacco Administration, according to Cruz.

The 10 Chinese nationals arrested at the scene are facing possible violations of tax and customs laws, as well as immigration regulations.—MCG, GMA News