P2 million fake cigarettes seized in Negros, Iloilo

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Fake cigarettes with a combined value of P2 million were seized in separate police operations in Negros Occidental and Iloilo on Saturday.

Members of the police Maritime Command confiscated close to P900,000 worth of counterfeit cigarettes in Barangay Makiling in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.

The police operation also resulted in the arrest of two suspects, identified as Nasif Amer, 25, and his brother Sadik Amer, 21.

The suspects’ three companions were able to escape.

Authorities said they seized from the suspects 1,462 reams and 162 packs of assorted brands of cigarettes.

On the same day, another P1.1 million worth of fake cigarettes were seized from the house of a businessman in La Paz, Iloilo City.

Probers said the raid on the suspect’s house in Barangay Tabuc Suba was conducted based on a warrant issued by a local court.