Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) confiscated almost P200,000 worth of smuggled cigarettes following the arrest of three people in an entrapment operation in Iligan City.
Nabbed were Joharei Ambaco Mangutara, 22; Abdul Jalil Ambaco Mangutara, 29; and Mansawi Lumna Ampaso, 23. All of them are reportedly members of a criminal syndicate engaged in selling undocumented cigarettes operating in Iligan City and nearby areas.
CIDG director Police Brig. Gen. Ronald Lee said the operation that was carried out on Friday. Dec. 16, stemmed from confirmed intelligence reports against the Johari criminal group.
The arrest was announced after the poseur-buyer from the CIDG completed the transaction with the suspects for the purchase of cigarettes in Barangay Sta. Elena in Iligan City.
Seized from them were assorted master cases of cigarettes.
Lee said the suspects will be slapped with various criminal cases.