Cagayan de Oro seizes P750,000 in illegal cigarettes

Authorities in Cagayan de Oro City seized cigarettes worth P750,000 on March 24, 2025. The cigarettes were confiscated because they lacked the graphic health warning labels required by law. The operation was carried out by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Barangay Puerto, Sinacaban. They worked alongside the Bureau of Customs, a representative from a private tobacco company, and the local health officer. Three individuals, identified as "Jamil," "Gapor," and "Pendinatar," were arrested during the operation. They now face charges related to violations of the Graphic Health Warnings Law and the Tobacco Regulation Act. Additionally, they are charged under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and the Tax Reform Act. The cases are being prepared for the Cagayan de Oro Office of the City Prosecutor.