Smuggled cigarettes worth P11.6M seized in Zamboanga City
Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seizes unregulated cigarettes worth P11.6 million in an operation in Zamboanga City on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. —Photo from the CIDG
MANILA, Philippines — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized unregulated cigarettes worth P11.639 million from a facility in Zamboanga City.
According to the CIDG report released on Wednesday, the operation was conducted at 12:15 a.m. on Jan. 21 along Vicente Alvarez Drive in Barangay Talon-Talon, Zamboanga City.
READ: Cigarette smuggling fueling terrorism, crime – Gatchalian, experts warn
Operatives discovered and confiscated 203 cases of a brand of cigarettes imported without internal revenue stamps.
READ: CIDG seizes almost P29-M smuggled cigarettes in Zamboanga City
Article continues after this advertisementThe Bureau of Internal Revenue Region No. 15 took custody of the seized items while a case build-up was underway to investigate possible violations of Republic Act No. 8424 or the Tax Reform Act of 1997.
“This operation demonstrates our resolve to address smuggling and ensure the accountability of individuals involved in these unlawful acts. The CIDG remains committed to protecting our country’s economy and public welfare,” Director Brig. Gen. Nicole Torre III said in a statement.