The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crime Unit, in coordination with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the local law enforcement, had successfully executed a simultaneous “OPLAN OLEA” that had dismantled a large-scale illegal manufacturing and distribution operation, seizing over Php2.4Billion worth of counterfeit cigarettes and smuggling equipment in Bulacan and Valenzuela from November 6 to 7, 2024.
The operation had focused on Bulacan, allegedly the main hub for the illegal production of counterfeit cigarettes, which were then distributed to Valenzuela.
Carried out under the authority of BIR Mission Order No. MS0201700024179, and in accordance with Section 6(C) of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, the operation had led to the seizure of various brands of illicit cigarettes and an extensive array of cigarette manufacturing equipment.
The operation had also revealed the illicit plant’s capacity to produce an estimated Php12.9Million cigarettes daily, valued at approximately Php45 million per day. The total market value of the confiscated items, including the production machinery and raw materials, was estimated at Php1.245Billion in the factory in Bulacan. Additionally, 155 trafficked individuals were rescued from the illegal plant.
Furthermore, authorities had confiscated a significant amount of illicit cigarette brands valued at an estimated Php1.158Billion during three separate operations in Valenzuela.
Several individuals had been arrested, including Foreign Nationals alias “Yanliang”, “Rock”, “Zizhan” “Zili”, and “Ziqiang”, arrested in Valenzuela, and “WU” in Bulacan. They now face charges related to tax evasion, intellectual property violations, and human trafficking, among other crimes.
The seizure and inventory operations were carefully conducted by BIR Revenue Officers in the presence of local officials from Barangay Moranquillo in San Rafael, Bulacan, ensuring complete transparency. The arrested suspects had been transferred to the CIDG Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crime Unit (AFCCU) for documentation and further legal processing. Meanwhile, all confiscated evidence remains under the temporary custody of the BIR.
Charges for violations under R.A 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 (as amended by RA 10364), and R.A. 8293 (Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines), are currently being prepared against the suspects.
“This successful operation highlights our firm commitment to dismantling criminal syndicates that exploit vulnerable individuals and jeopardize public safety. CIDG is determined to ensure that no one is above the law—dahil ang gusto ng pulis, ligtas ka,” said Acting CIDG Director, PBGen Nicolas D. Torre III.
