Authorities arrested a 47-year-old man and seized alleged smuggled cigarettes worth more than P16 million in Barangay Baliwasan Grande, Zamboanga City.

According to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the suspect, a resident of Bas Nonok, Lugus, Sulu, was allegedly caught in the act of selling allegedly smuggled cigarettes.

CIDG added that the seized tobacco products also don’t bear the required graphic health warnings and BIR tax stamps.

“Meanwhile, the absence of Graphic Health Warnings on cigarette packages strips away the most effective psychological and visual barrier against smoking,” CIDG said.

“The State recognizes that based on empirical data, text warnings have been shown to be insufficient in conveying the dangers of tobacco products while Graphic Health Warnings have been shown to be more effective in conveying the truth about the dangers of exposure and consumption of tobacco smoke,” CIDG added.

The CIDG director emphasized that under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act (RA 12022), the government is committed to protecting farmers and fisherfolk, promoting agricultural productivity, and ensuring fair and affordable prices of agricultural and fishery products for consumers.

CIDG added that the government is committed to eliminating hoarding, profiteering, and cartels that artificially restrict supply and manipulate prices, noting that these illegal practices deprive the state of much-needed taxes and revenues that could otherwise support economic development.