Operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group seized at least half a million pesos worth of smuggled cigarettes and counterfeit products worth P130,000 in separate operations in the province of Zamboanga, Cavite, Bulacan and Metro Manila.

CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Ronald Lee identified the suspects as Jun Minguito Esin and Aaron Lui Ong, who were arrested for selling smuggled various cigarettes on Wednesday.

Esin was arrested at Baragay Maloloy-on, Molave, Zamboanga del Sur by members of the CIDG Zamboanga del Sur and Bureau of Customs. The suspect yielded pieces of evidence with an estimated value of P228,000.

Ong, on the other hand, was arrested on the same day by the CIDG Cavite Field Unit at the parking lot of SM Bacoor in Cavite where he was found to be in possession of evidence worth P240,000.
Also seized from Ong's possession were one Ford Ranger vehicle, a cellular phone, and marked money.

Charges on violation of RA 8424 or Tax Reform Act of 1997 is being readied for filing against Esin while criminal complaint for violation of RA 8293 or Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines is being prepared for filing against Ong.

The CIDG chief reminded the public not to sacrifice their health for such unauthorized products.

Meanwhile, two entrapment operations were launched by agents of the CIDG Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Unit against sellers of alleged counterfeit products resulting in the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of over P130,000 worth of counterfeit items on Wednesday in Bulacan and Manila.