SAN SIMON, Pampanga – A total of P2.2 million worth of illegal cigarettes were seized during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Sta. Monica here on 7 August 2025.
According to a belated report from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Pampanga Provincial Field Unit, the operation led to the arrest of two suspects allegedly selling cigarettes without the required graphic health warnings.
Operation Oplan Megashopper was carried out by the CIDG Pampanga Provincial Field Unit in coordination with the San Simon Municipal Police Station and the Philippine Tobacco Institute.
Authorities identified the suspects as a 60-year-old driver from Tondo, Manila, and a 40-year-old helper from Lubao, Pampanga.
The suspects will be charged with violating Section 6 of RA 10643 (Graphic Health Warning Act) and Article 94 of RA 7394 (Philippine Consumer Act).
Authorities said the confiscated cigarettes, estimated at P2.2 million based on minimum selling prices, consisted of 52 master cases containing 50 reams each, all lacking proper graphic health warnings.
Incidental to the arrest, operatives also discovered equipment and materials allegedly used for repacking cigarettes, including sealing machines, filter paper, tipping paper, packaging materials, label tape, empty master cases, and two desktop computers.
Police said the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Regional Investigation Division were properly coordinated with during the operation.
The suspects are currently detained at the CIDG Pampanga facility while documents are being prepared for the filing of criminal charges before the Pampanga Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.