₱47M in smuggled cigarettes left unattended in 2 vans in Tarlac

Authorities recovered two vans containing illicit, smuggled cigarettes worth over P47 million in Tarlac City, Tarlac on Tuesday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a statement, the PNP said the confiscation of the contraband was made in a follow-up operation two days after the arrest of four suspects.

“Illegal smuggling will not succeed under our watch. We will track down every responsible party and enforce the law without exception. Walang sinuman ang makakalusot sa batas; mananagot ang lahat ng sangkot (No one will be allowed to escape the law unscathed, everyone will be held to account),” said PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

The PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Tarlac Provincial Field Unit and other police units attempted to meet with the suspected supplier at a designated location in Barangay Tibag, Tarlac City on Tuesday morning.

However, the supplier did not show up for the meeting.

Police operatives checked the area and discovered a wing van and a closed van, both unattended, that were parked nearby.

Authorities inspected the two vehicles, which yielded 683 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes worth P47.53 million.

The smuggled cigarettes were brought to the CIDG Tarlac office for documentation and proper disposition.

The PNP said it is “actively pursuing investigative leads to identify and track down the supplier believed to be behind the smuggling operation.”

“The PNP will act decisively to stop illegal trade and protect the people. Ang lumalabag sa batas at sumasamantala sa kabuhayan ng mamamayan ay haharap sa hustisya (Those who violate the law and takes advantage of people’s livelihoods will face justice),” Nartatez added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News