TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte — Authorities seized an estimated ₱737,000 worth of cigarettes without the required Graphic Health Warning during an entrapment operation in B1 Sison Subdivision, Magugpo South, late Monday night, August 11.
The joint operation was conducted by the Davao del Norte Maritime Police Station, serving as the lead unit, together with the HRMU 11 STG PLUTUS team at around 11:50 p.m.
Confiscated from the suspect were 938 reams of assorted cigarette brands — “UNION,” “YS,” “CAMBO Menthol,” and “LUXURY Menthol” — with an estimated market value of ₱737,080.40, based on Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue Regulations No. 016-2024.
The suspect will face charges for violating Section 10 of Republic Act 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, which mandates proper health warning labels on tobacco products.
The Philippine National Police Maritime Group stressed that the illegal trade of cigarettes undermines government revenue, fuels the black market, and creates unfair competition for legitimate businesses. Continuous operations, they said, are essential to safeguard the economy, ensure proper tax collection, and promote public health.