Over P2.5B worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes seized in Malabon, Batangas

The Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) seized over P2.5 billion worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes in separate anti-carnapping operations in Malabon and in Batangas. 

In a Super Radyo dzBB report by Glen Juego on Thursday, PNP Acting Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that the PNP-HPG was conducting anti-carnapping operations and were chasing two alleged carnappers inside the dockyard in Malabon when they found the alleged contraband.

Authorities discovered several large boxes, which contained cartons of cigarettes that were allegedly made in South Korea.

“Merong pumasok dito na naka-motor and the nahabol nila…Nakita ng ating mga operatiba, ng Highway Patrol [Group], yung mga nakita niyo kaninang bukas na container vans that contain these cigarettes,” said Nartatez. 

(Someone in motorcycle went here and authorities were able to catch him…Our operatives from the Highway Patrol Group found the containers with these cigarettes.)

Bureau of Customs Deputy Commissioner Nolasco Bathan said that they will conduct an investigation to check who can be held responsible for the smuggled goods.

But authorities already got the name of the owner of the container yard and the tracking company. GMA Integrated News is already reaching out to them, as reported by Jun Veneracion in “24 Oras.”  

The police also seized over P1 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes in Batangas City on Wednesday. 

The shipping containers were discovered after the PNP-HPG followed a stolen car. 

The PNP-HPG believes that an organized crime group could be behind the seized contrabands that are worth billions of pesos. 

Meanwhile, Nartatez said that they will look into possible links between the contrabands seized in Malabon and in Batangas.— Jiselle Anne C. Casucian and Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News