Fake cigarette brand factories raided by NBI

First it was a crackdown against pirated compact disks. Now, the National Bureau of Investigation is going after makers of fake cigarettes.

Last week, agents of the NBI raided two establishments in Valenzuela City and seized some P15 million worth of various cigarette manufacturing equipment, allegedly used in making fake cigarette brands.

NBI director Reynaldo Wycoco identified the two raided establishments as Kenlo Marketing located at Earth street, E&E Compound, Barangay Parada; and George Sy Printing House located at 33 Parada St. in Barangay Parada.

According to Wycoco, the two establishments were raided following a complaint filed by Philip Morris Inc. regarding the proliferation of fake Philip Morris cigarette brands in the metropolis.

Investigation conducted by the NBI’s Intellectual Property Rights Division confirmed the report and a search warrant was secured from Manila Regional Trial Court Judge Antonio Eugenio.

On Oct. 12, NBI agents simultaneously raided the two establishments and seized various equipment allegedly used in the manufacture of fake Philip Morris products.

Also recovered was a delivery receipt that allegedly indicated a transaction for 430 boxes of Marlboro cigarettes. – Mike Frialde