CIDG seizes P3M worth of smuggled cigarettes in Zambo del Sur, arrests 4 men
Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized nearly P3 million worth of smuggled cigarettes following the arrest of people in a police operation in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.
CIDG director Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat, Jr. said the operation stemmed from intelligence reports about the proliferation of smuggled cigarettes in Zamboanga Peninsula region which was also confirmed by the Bureau of Customs.
During the operation conducted on June 9, Caramat said his men confiscated 85 master cases of cigarettes loaded in two small vehicles in Barangay Balimbingan.
Nabbed were Ronilo Corsame Japon, 25; Ricky Venturina Baria, 40; Abdulhaver Asahi Kangan, 41; and Jallen Acabo Mabuting, 22.
“They were arrested while unloading smuggled cigarettes from a truck,” said Caramat.
He said the four arrested suspects are now facing criminal charges and were detained at the CIDG Zamboanga Del Sur Provincial Field Unit.
The CIDG has been assisting the Bureau of Customs in running after smuggled items across the country.