Manila, Feb. 11 -- The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has arrested 19 individuals and seized PHP61.7 million worth of illicit cigarettes in two-day nationwide operations.

In a statement Wednesday, CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II said 10 suspects were arrested and PHP3,248,300 worth of alleged illegal cigarettes were seized in 10 separate raids in Lanao del Norte, Iligan City, Davao City and Davao del Norte on Feb. 8.

The following day, a series of raids in Laguna, Zambales, Batangas, Negros Oriental, Cavite, Misamis Occidental and Tarlac netted nine suspects and PHP58,538,500 worth of alleged illicit cigarettes from the operations.

Notably, the CIDG Tarlac Provincial Field Unit seized PHP47.5 million worth of i...