BUTUAN CITY – Police seized smuggled cigarettes valued at more than P20 million in the coastal area of Manticao town, Misamis Oriental province, on Saturday, June 21.
Police Regional Office 10-Regional Public Information Office chief Police Major Joann G. Navarro said eight suspected smugglers were arrested.
Navarro identified the suspects as Brav, 56; Tang, 42; Haw 34; Blit, 18; Raz, 23; Fal 23; Each, 19, and Rid, 23.
Police received information from a concerned citizen that contraband was being unloaded from a fishing vessel. Lawmen went to the area and caught the suspects unloading and stacking boxes of cigarettes in the area.
A follow-up search led to the discovery of more contraband inside a delivery truck parked nearby, Navarro said.
Seized from the suspects were 500 cases of Red Delta brand cigarettes, fishing vessel, and the delivery truck.
The suspects and confiscated items are under the custody of the Manticao Municipal Police Station.
The seized items will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for proper disposition.
PRO-10 Director Police Brig. Gen. Rolindo M. Suguilon cited operating units for their achievements.
“This successful operation is a clear demonstration of our continued efforts to secure our borders and uphold the law. I commend the operating units for a job well done,” he said, adding “Let us remain steadfast in our mission to protect the public from the dangers of illicit trade.”