Manila, June 15 -- Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized smuggled cigarettes worth more than PHP6.1 million and arrested three individuals in separate operations in Zamboanga on June 11 and 13.

CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II said Monday that the first operation, conducted in Barangay Baclay, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur, led to the seizure of 50 master cases of cigarettes allegedly lacking the required graphic health warnings and valued at PHP2.85 million.

Two male suspects were caught transporting the tobacco products and were arrested.

In a statement, Morico noted that Republic Act 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, requires all tobacco product packaging to carry highly visible, pict...