P160 Million Worth of Illegal Cigarettes and Vape Seized in Malabon — Chinese National Arrested
📌 About P160 million worth of smuggled and illegal cigarettes and vape products were seized and one Chinese national was arrested at a rented house used as a warehouse inside an upscale subdivision in Barangay Potrero, Malabon City, Metro Manila, ABS-CBN TV Patrol reported on Thursday, November 12. Police believe the foreigner's operations may have spread to the Calabarzon area, including Cavite.
■ What Happened
· According to an RMN report, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Malabon police carried out an operation in Araneta Village. The date of the operation was not given in the reports.
· The seized items were about 1,120 master cases of cigarettes, about 635 boxes of vape products, and 2 trucks used to transport them (RMN).
· The DTI confirmed that the products were illegal and had violations of regulations (ABS-CBN).
■ Investigation and Current Status
· The arrested Chinese national is accused of selling and distributing cigarettes that had no graphic health warnings and no permission from the trademark owner (RMN). The charges are the investigators' allegations; guilt or innocence will be decided in court.
· He is set to be charged with violating the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act (RA 12022) and the Graphic Health Warnings Law (RA 10643) (RMN).
· The suspect's name and age have not been made public.
■ Notes for Residents and Travelers
· Cigarettes and vape products without graphic warnings may be illegal products, so it is safest not to buy them.
· If you rent out a house, it is a good idea to check that your tenant is not using it like a warehouse.
■ Sources
ABS-CBN News (11/12), RMN (11/12)
■ Photos
· 1. DTI personnel inspecting seized boxes of vape products — RMN
· 2. File photo · blurred screen showing a display of cigarettes and vape products — ABS-CBN News
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