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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider P10.5-M smuggled cigarettes seized in Batangas

P10.5-M smuggled cigarettes seized in Batangas

Published Sep 3, 2023 05:12 am

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna – Police seized smuggled cigarettes worth P10.5 million and arrested suspected smugglers in a buy-bust operation in Balayan, Batangas, on August 30.

Police Regional Office 4-A director Police Brig. Gen. Carlito Gaces identified the suspects as Benigno Alvarez, Modesto Eronico, Efren Eronico, Mark Joseph Cardinal, and Kevin Renz Benedict de Villa.

PRO 4-A SMUGGLED CIGARETTES.jpg

The suspects were arrested by the Regional Special Operations Unit 4-A in collaboration with the Balayan Municipal Police Station, Batangas Provincial Intelligence Unit, and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Suspects yielded 701 boxes of New Orleans and H&P cigarettes valued at P15,000 per box and the buy-bust money.

Gaces said the operation was part of their campaign to combat illegal activities and criminality in the Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, and Quezon area (Calabarzon) or Region 4-A.

Suspects are detained at the Balayan Municipal Police Station while awaiting the filing of appropriate charges.

Gaces said PRO-4 is resolute in its commitment to protect the interests of investors and the economy by eradicating illegal activities such as cigarette smuggling.

"Our mission is clear, we serve as guardians of the law, dedicated to upholding the integrity of trade, preventing financial losses, and paving the path for a safer, more prosperous future for our region and the nation. Rest assured, we will spare no effort to ensure that Calabarzon embodies order, progress, and prosperity," he added.

Related Tags

Cigarette smuggling PRO 4-A Balayan Batangas Smugglers Calabarzon
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