Manila, Nov. 7 -- The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) on Friday warned retailers against selling fake or smuggled cigarettes, saying violators will face severe penalties including hefty fines and imprisonment.

The warning comes as the agency intensifies its campaign against the growing proliferation of illegal tobacco products from the "booming" black market.

In a statement, the NTA said those involved in the illicit trade "will face severe consequences" under existing laws.

According to industry data, fake cigarettes are being sold for as low as PHP3 to PHP4 per stick - well below the PHP7 per stick price of the cheapest legal, tax-paid cigarettes. Illicit cigarette packs reportedly sell for around PHP30, compared to PHP82.49 fo...