PNP revs up drive vs fake cigarettes

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its drive against fake products in the wake of reports that fake cigarette brands are flooding the market.

In a statement, PNP Deputy Director-General for Operations Danilo Constantino instructed the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to go after the distributors of these fake cigarette brands in coordination with the Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Constantino said several distributors and suppliers of fake cigarettes found in some shopping malls and markets have been arrested.

Constantino added that even ambulant vendors who were caught selling fake cigarette brands in San Jose City in Nueva Ecija and in Imus City in Cavite have already been charged.

According to Constantino, police personnel in Imus and San Jose City have responded to complaints that fake “Mighty” and “Marvels” brand cigarettes are circulating.

Constantino said those caught with the fake cigarette brands were slapped with complaints of trademark infringement.