POLICEMEN seized P1.715 million worth of cigarettes lacking the required graphic health warnings and arrested two persons in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.
In a statement released on Monday, the National Police (PNP) reported that its operatives confiscated 35 master cases of non-compliant cigarettes found in the possession and control of the two suspects. The names of the arrested individuals were withheld by authorities.
The joint operation was carried out by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Field Unit in coordination with the Ipil Municipal Police Station.
The police said cigarettes distributed without mandatory health warnings raise serious concerns regarding compliance with safety regulations designed to inform consumers about tobacco-related health risks.
The PNP highlighted two key laws governing the enforcement action: Republic Act 10643 (Graphic Health Warnings Law) that mandates that all tobacco product packages carry clear graphic and textual health warnings, and Republic Act 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act) that provides measures to address customs violations, smuggling, and illicit trade.
Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., National Police chief, said that all goods distributed and sold in the country must strictly adhere to national laws and regulations.
‘It should be clear to everyone that we have laws that must be followed when it comes to selling and transporting products. This is not just a matter of enforcement; it is also about protecting consumers and ensuring that no one is overlooked in implementing the law,’ Nartatez said in Filipino.
‘We will continue to work with our partner agencies to address these violations through proper and lawful action,’ he added.
The PNP reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with local authorities and relevant government agencies to clamp down on the movement and distribution of non-compliant goods nationwide.