2 Chinese caught with P8M smuggled cigarettes in Pangasinan

Two Chinese nationals were arrested at a checkpoint in Pangasinan on Wednesday for allegedly attempting to smuggle P8 million worth of illegal cigarettes, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

Police officers conducting checkpoint operations in Barangay Poblacion in Labrador town flagged a closed van for inspection.

Authorities discovered 101 boxes of assorted cigarettes which were later confirmed as smuggled and without proper documentation. The confiscated cigarettes totaled 5,050 reams worth P8.05 million.

Police arrested two Chinese nationals aboard the closed van and are now preparing charges against them. The confiscated smuggled cigarettes will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for case build-up and proper disposition.

PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the arrest highlighted the role of police checkpoints in preventing crimes and enforcing laws.

“Minsan ang iniisip ng iba, checkpoint lang. Pero kapag maayos ang pagpapatupad at alerto ang mga pulis, malaking krimen ang napipigilan. This is a clear example of how disciplined police work protects the public and our economy,” he said.

(Others think it’s just a checkpoint. But when it is enforced efficiently and police are alert, it can stop major crimes. This is a clear example of how disciplined police work protects the public and our economy.)

Nartatez added that smuggling undermines lawful businesses and deprives the government of revenues meant for public services.

“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa iligal na produkto. Ang smuggling ay direktang nananakaw sa kaban ng bayan. Kaya seryoso ang PNP sa laban na ito, at hindi kami titigil,” he said.

(This is not just about illegal products. Smuggling directly steals from the country’s coffers. The PNP is serious in fighting this, and we will not stop.) — JMA, GMA Integrated News