CIDG, BIR seize P2.4 billion fake Cigarettes

MANILA, Philippines —  Counterfeit cigarettes valued at P2.4 billion were confiscated when authorities raided a factory and warehouses being operated by Chinese nationals in Valenzuela City and Bulacan on Wednesday.

Armed with a mission order from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s anti-fraud and commercial crime unit implemented Oplan Olea or other law enforcement operations from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., CIDG director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said.

“This successful operation highlights our firm commitment to dismantling criminal groups that exploit vulnerable people and jeopardize public safety,” he said in a statement.

Torre said the raids were hatched to dismantle a crime ring engaged in large-scale illegal manufacturing and distribution of fake cigarettes.

Agents of the CIDG and BIR first raided a factory in Barangay Moranquillo, San Rafael, Bulacan, which according to police was the main hub for the production of counterfeit cigarettes being distributed in Valenzuela.

Police arrested 30-year-old Wui Quilong, also known by his aliases as Ronald and Tony.

Up to 155 Filipino workers were rescued from the factory.

The operation also resulted in the confiscation of fake cigarettes as well as equipment amounting to P1.2 billion.

Torre said the manufacturing plant can produce 12,900 cigarette sticks per day with an estimated value of P45 million.

Police raided three warehouses in Valenzuela, two in Barangay Ugong and one in Barangay Pulang Lupa, where five Chinese were nabbed and counterfeit cigarettes worth P1.15 billion were seized.

The Chinese are Yanliang Hu, 42; Rock Gara Yu, 45; Pan Zizhan, 51; Pan Zili, 42, and Pan Ziqiang, 35.

Charges of violating Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act as amended by RA 10364 and RA 8293, the Intellectual Property Code, are being readied against the suspects.