Pampanga: Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Thursday seized alleged illicit tobacco products valued at PHP36.9 million during an operation in Pampanga.

According to Philippines News Agency, CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico stated that authorities executed a search warrant at an industrial park in San Simon town from Wednesday night to Thursday morning. This led to the confiscation of 573 cases of cigarettes from a warehouse, which was used for the storage and distribution of tobacco products, with some confirmed as smuggled.

The primary suspect, a Filipino male in his late 30s, currently evades capture and is actively being pursued by police units. Morico noted that the recent operation stemmed from earlier raids conducted in two separate locations in San Simon and Mexico, Pampanga, late last year.

Legal proceedings are underway as cases for violations of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, Consumer Act of the Philippines, and Unfair Competition, among others, are being prepared for filing against the suspect with the Provincial Prosecutor's Office of Pampanga.

"This operation sends a clear warning illegal trade will not be tolerated, and we will protect consumers and legitimate businesses alike," said acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. He emphasized that the operation aligns with the PNP Focused Agenda, underscoring Enhanced Managing Police Operations to ensure effectiveness and integrity in enforcement efforts.