Some P3.8-million worth of illicit cigarettes with no "Graphic Health Warnings" were seized by authorities during a police operation at the impound lot of the Land Transportation Office 3, Brgy. Maimpis in San Fernando City, Pampanga on 1 July.

The CIDG Regional Field Unit and San Fernando City Police Station implemented the Search Warrant for violation of Republic Act No. 7394 (Consumer Act of the Philippines) and Republic Act No. 10643 (Graphic Health Warnings Law) at the said vehicle inside the LTO impound.

The operation resulted in the confiscation of sixty (60) master cases of no “Graphic Health Warnings” cigarettes with estimated value of P3,870,000.00.

A report that reached PMGEN Robert AA Morico II, the Director of the CIDG, stated that operation stemmed from a request for assistance from the

Land Transportation Office, Region 3 regarding a vehicle that was left locked and unattended after their "Anti Colorum Checkpoint."

The CIDG Regional Field Unit 3 immediately applied for search warrant to lawfully open, inspect, and examine the vehicle, which yields illicit tobacco products. The operation was duly witnessed by Barangay Officials.

The CIDG Director emphasized that the State protects and promotes the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them; and protects consumers from trade malpractices and from substandard tobacco products. Republic Act No. 10643 (Graphic Health Warnings Law) mandates the printing of highly visual, picture-based health warnings on all tobacco product packaging to effectively communicate the hazards of smoking.

The CIDG leadership commends PCOL Grant A Gollod, the Regional Chief of CIDG Regional Field Unit 3, and the Special Operations Team led by PMAJ Wiltz Konrad A Sally for the successful confiscation of the substandard cigarettes. The bust prevented its distribution to consumers and reinforced the government's efforts to protect public health, particularly from unregulated tobacco products that may pose serious health risks.