2 nabbed, P3.92M in smuggled cigarettes flagged at checkpoint

A routine checkpoint in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte on Tuesday morning yielded P3.92 million worth of allegedly smuggled cigarettes that were concealed in the walls and floor compartments of a truck, the Philippine National Police (PNP said).

The operation was carried out by units of the PNP and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Sub-Port of Parang, which flagged a white wing van truck in Barangay Pinantao at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.

A thorough inspection revealed that large volumes of cigarettes were deliberately concealed inside the walls and floor compartments of the vehicle.

The driver was unable to present any document proving the legality of the cargo, resulting in the arrest of two males aged 42 and 48 who were aboard the vehicle.

Recovered were 4,582 reams of allegedly smuggled cigarettes worth P3.92 million.

The seized cigarettes and the vehicle used in its transport were confiscated and are now in the custody of the Parang Municipal Police Station, pending its turnover to the BOC and the filing of charges.

“Smuggling is not a victimless crime – it deprives the government of revenue and fuels other illegal activities. Malinaw ang mensahe natin: walang puwang ang mga naglalakas-loob na lumabag sa batas, at hindi titigil ang kapulisan sa pagtupad ng tungkulin nito,” said PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

(Smuggling is not a victimless crime – it deprives the government of revenue and fuels other illegal activities. Our message is clear: there is no space for those who violate the law and police will not stop in enforcing these laws.)

Authorities are preparing charges for violation of Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and other laws against the suspects.

Nartatez also commended the operating units for their vigilance and discipline.

“This operation shows that when we stay focused on intelligence and field presence, we can disrupt criminal activities that harm our economy and our people,” he said.

Nartatez added: “Patuloy naming paiigtingin ang mga hakbang para mapigilan ang ganitong uri ng ilegal na gawain at mapanagot ang mga sangkot.”

(We will continue to beef up our measures to stop these illegal activities and hold accountable those behind these acts.) — JMA, GMA Integrated News