POLICE inventory seized smuggled cigarettes in Misamis Oriental. (FB)
BUTUAN CITY – Police seized smuggled cigarettes valued at P7 million in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental on Monday, Aug. 11.
Two suspected smugglers were apprehended.
“The 40-year-old driver and his 25-year-old helper, both residents of Misamis Oriental province, are now under tactical investigation to determine the owner of the seized smuggled items,” Police Regional Office 10-Regional Public Information Office chief Police Major Joan G. Navarro said.
Navarro said the operation stemmed from validated intelligence reports and a series of casing and surveillance confirming that the suspects are engaged in holding, transporting, and distributing smuggled cigarettes within Misamis Oriental.
The PRO 10-Regional Operations Division said the smuggled cigarettes reportedly came from Zamboanga del Sur and transported via wing van to Laguindingan and stored in a warehouse. These cigarettes will be picked up by a buyer from Bukidnon, it said.
The vehicle transporting the contraband usually travel during the early morning hours when roads are not busy.
The suspects were caught in the act of preparing and extracting stocks outside the warehouse, police said.
The suspects and smuggled cigarettes which are now under the custody of the Laguindingan MPS will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition.
Navarro said the suspects face a case for violating Republic Act 10643 or the Graphic Health Warnings Law.