SAN SIMON, Pampanga – A police-buy bust operation in Barangay Sta. Monica here resulted in the arrest of two suspects allegedly selling cigarettes without the required graphic health warnings, authorities reported.
The operation, dubbed “Oplan Megashopper,” was conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Pampanga Provincial Field Unit, in coordination with the San Simon Municipal Police Station and the Philippine Tobacco Institute. It began at around 4:45 p.m. on Aug. 7 and ended at about 8:40 p.m. of the same day.
Police identified the suspects as a 60-year-old driver from Tondo, Manila, and a 40-year-old helper from Lubao, Pampanga. They are accused of violating Section 6 of RA 10643 (Graphic Health Warning Act) and Article 94 of RA 7394 (Philippine Consumer Act).
Authorities seized an estimated ₱2.2-million worth of cigarettes during the operation, based on minimum selling prices. A total of 52 master cases containing 50 reams each of cigarettes without proper graphic health warnings were confiscated.
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.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Regional Investigation Division were properly coordinated with during the operation, police said.
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. Press release
