CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna – Police seized smuggled cigarettes worth P2.2 million and arrested a suspected smuggler in a buy-bust operation on Tuesday afternoon, October 15, in Barangay Biga, Calatagan, Batangas.
The Police Regional Office 4-A identified the suspect as alias Alwin, 48, a resident of Barangay Biga.
Found in his possession was 142 boxes of smuggled cigarettes, classified as illicit whites by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
POLICE recover P2.2-million worth of smuggled cigarettes on October 15 in Barangay Biga in Calatagan, Batangas. (PRO 4-A)
PRO 4-A chief Police Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas cited operating units for their outstanding work.
"This serves as a reminder that today’s victory against smuggling is vital. We will relentlessly pursue those who undermine our laws and exploit our communities. Our police force will continue to fulfill its duties and ensure that criminals face the full weight of the law," he said.
The suspect is under the custody of the Calatagan police for profiling and will face charges for violating Sections 144, 262, and 263 of Republic Act 8424 or the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC).
Illicit whites are cigarettes legally produced in a country but with the sole intention of being smuggled into other markets.