Counterfeit cigarettes seized

Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija — Authorities seized over P1.3 million worth of counterfeit cigarettes during a routine checkpoint in this town on Saturday.

According to Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (NEPPO) Director Police Col. Ferdinand D Germino, a 42-year-old man, identified as Recardo Idoz of Lapaz, Tarlac, was arrested for violating Republic Act 8293, the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, and Republic Act 9211, the Anti-Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003.

Meantime, Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Police Brigadier General Redrico A. Maranan said that operatives from the Zaragoza Municipal Police Station flagged down a white Nissan Urban 350 along San Antonio-Zaragoza Road in Barangay Batitang.

Upon inspection, authorities discovered 20 boxes of Modern Red cigarettes, 25 boxes of Modern Blue cigarettes, 20 boxes of RGD cigarettes, and 10 boxes of Carnival cigarettes inside the vehicle.

Maranan stressed the importance of 24/7 checkpoints in deterring crime and ensuring community safety. He commended the officers involved for their dedication and commitment to upholding the law.

Germino, on the other hand, said that authorities will continue crack down on smuggled fake cigarettes.

“This serves as a stern warning to all sellers, distributors, and consumers to stop patronizing fake cigarettes. Such illicit trade will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” Germino said.

The seized cigarettes and the arrested suspect were brought to the Zaragoza Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.