Authorities in San Rafael, Bulacan uncovered an alleged massive counterfeit cigarette operation, seizing over P1 billion worth of fake cigarettes and manufacturing equipment.

The items were seized during a recent raid by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

The illegal plant allegedly produced and shipped millions of fake cigarettes nationwide.

"Kalat sa buong Pilipinas ang produktong binebenta nila... nationwide ang kanilang shipment kasi they are producing 12 million sticks per day," PBGen Nicolas Torre III, CIDG chief, said.

Torre said the counterfeit products do not meet safety standards, putting buyers at risk.

The raid covered six sites: one manufacturing plant in Bulacan and five warehouses in Valenzuela where the finished products were stored and distributed.

Around 155 individuals, including a Chinese national, were apprehended at the factory and taken into CIDG custody for processing.

Evidence gathered from the operation was handed over to the BIR.

Authorities are now preparing charges against the suspects for alleged violation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, the National Internal Revenue Code, and the Intellectual Property Code.