By Alexander Lopez
BUTUAN CITY – Police confiscated PHP932,550 worth of counterfeit cigarettes and arrested nine suspects during an 18-day anti-smuggling operation across Caraga Region that concluded May 18, authorities reported Tuesday.
The largest seizures occurred in Surigao del Norte, where PHP857,400 worth of fake cigarettes were recovered from Dapa and Claver towns.
Additional operations in Surigao del Sur yielded PHP68,800 in contraband, while Agusan del Sur operations netted PHP6,350 worth of counterfeit products.
“These arrested individuals face charges under Republic Act 10643, the Graphic Health Warnings Law,” said PRO-13 information chief Maj. Jennifer Omiter.
Authorities seized 46 cases of various counterfeit brands during the coordinated raids.
PRO-13 director, Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano, vowed continued enforcement: “This serves as a warning to smugglers – we will catch you.”
The operation involved multiple police units across the region’s five provinces. (PNA)
