COUNTERFEIT. Police authorities seize PHP1.1 million worth of counterfeit cigarettes in an operation at Sitio Kawayanan, Barangay Tabuc Suba, La Paz, Iloilo City on Saturday (Oct. 12, 2024). Cases for violation of Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines will be filed against the arrested local businessman. (Photo courtesy of ICPO)
ILOILO CITY – Authorities on Saturday seized PHP1.1 million worth of fake cigarettes and arrested a local trader here for violation of Republic Act (RA) 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.
Armed with a search warrant issued by Regional Trial Court 6 Branch 39, agents led by the intelligence unit of the Iloilo City Police Office inspected the house of a 57-year-old businessman in Sitio Kawayanan, Barangay Tabuc Suba, La Paz around 5:30 a.m.
Seized were assorted volumes of Mighty Green, Camel, Marvel green and red, and Winston red cigarettes.
The suspect is currently detained at the custodial facility of the Iloilo City Police Station 2, while the recovered items are with the exhibit custodian of the City Intelligence Unit.
He will be facing charges for violation of Sections 155 (infringement), 168 (unfair competition) in relation to 169 (false designation of origin, false description or representation), and 170 (cancellation of design registration) of RA 8293. (PNA)
