P50M in smuggled cigarettes seized, 16 arrested in separate operations – PNP

Authorities confiscated more than P50 million in alleged smuggled cigarettes and arrested 16 suspects in separate operations in Negros Oriental and Maguindanao del Norte earlier this week, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a statement, the PNP said its police units conducted an anti-smuggling operation in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental on 8:27 a.m. of Sunday, April 19.

The operation led to the arrest of four male suspects and the seizure of 450 master cases of cigarettes worth P45 million which are believed to have been smuggled.

Police also recovered a 10-wheeler wing van and a six-wheeler panel van used to transport the contraband.

The confiscated items will be turned over to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for proper disposition in connection with violation of Republic Act 10643 or the Graphic Health Warnings Law and RA 10963 or the TRAIN Law.

A day later at 1:20 a.m. of Monday, April 20, police conducted a checkpoint operation in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte that led to the arrest of 12 individuals.

Authorities also confiscated 6,500 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at P5,431,725.00, as well as a caliber .45 pistol and three vehicles.

The recovered evidence will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Sub-Port in Parang, in line with violation of RA 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and applicable customs laws.

“These operations reflect our firm stance against economic sabotage and the unlawful trade that deprives the government of rightful revenues,” said PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

“We will sustain intelligence-driven operations and strengthen our presence in critical areas to stop these activities at their source,” he added. — JMA, GMA News