The Department of Interior and Local Government is preparing charges against an alleged smuggler of illicit cigarettes following a raid on a warehouse in Cavite, but Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that these operations are likely supported by government officials.
The Department of Interior and Local Government raided an illegal warehouse owned by Jimmy Reyes Cua in Tanza, Cavite. Although declared as a canned goods storage site, local residents reported a tobacco odor emanating from it. Authorities discovered cigarette manufacturing machinery, industrial generators, and other equipment inside.
This marks the fifth warehouse targeted in a series of government raids against tobacco smugglers, with Secretary Jonvic Remulla aiming for a total of 10 major operations. The DILG is filing charges against the suspects for violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.
"It is impossible for this to happen without a protector. I am sure that there are people in the government high up there, and we will not stop until we get them and stop all of their operations," Remulla said during a press briefing on February 20.
Once charges are filed, the DILG will coordinate with the Anti-Money Laundering Council to trace financial trails and determine links to more influential individuals. Remulla noted that many of the raided warehouses and illegal factories are owned by Chinese nationals, with all machines originating from Mainland China.
