Camp BGen Vicente P Lim – JOINT operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) – Batangas Provincial Field Unit, in collaboration with the Rosario Municipal Police Station and personnel from cigarette company, successfully seized PhP 1,601,730.00 worth of counterfeit cigarettes and apprehended 2 suspects during an entrapment operation conducted at 11:50 AM on January 11, 2024, in Brgy. San Carlos, Rosario, Batangas.
The arrested suspects, identified as alias “Mark” and alias “Ronnie”, both residents of Brgy. Tulos, Rosario, Batangas will face charges for violation of RA 8293 (Intellectual Property Rights Code of the Philippines) and RA 10643 (An Act To Effectively Instill Health Consciousness Through Graphic Health Warnings On Tobacco Products).
The operation was initiated following a complaint from an Illicit Trade Prevention Executive of cigarette company, reporting the illicit activities of the suspects involving unfair competition and trademark infringement.
During the operation, authorities confiscated significant amounts of counterfeit cigarettes valued at Php 1,601,730.00, a cellular phone and boodle money.
The arrested individuals and the confiscated items were transported to the CIDG Batangas PFU office for documentation and proper disposition.
PBGen Paul Kenneth T Lucas, Regional Director of PRO CALABARZON, commended all the operating units involved in the successful apprehension of the suspects and the confiscation of such a significant number of counterfeit cigarettes. “This successful operation is the result of the relentless efforts of our law enforcement agencies in combating intellectual property rights violations and protecting public health,” he said.
RD Lucas also assures the public that PNP CALABARZON remain committed in dismantling illegal operations and bringing perpetrators to justice. “We will do our best to place these violators behind bars and make them feel the full gravity of the law,” he added.
