SMUGGLED cigarettes
CALASIAO, Pangasinan – Police recovered smuggled cigarettes valued at over P1.1 million and arrested two individuals in an entrapment operation in Barangay Bonuan Binloc, Dagupan City, this province, on Saturday.
The Dagupan City Police Office reported that the suspects, both drivers, are a 36-year-old from Caloocan City and a 35-year-old from Villasis town, Pangasinan.
“Authorities pursued the verified information that the suspects are involved in the delivery and selling of smuggled cigarettes in Dagupan City and nearby places. During the entrapment operation, the suspects admitted that the cigarettes are smuggled and they sell it at lower prices," police said.
Police posed as buyers and arranged a controlled delivery of two boxes of cigarettes worth P56,000, which led to the confiscation of 26 more boxes.
"All the confiscated items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs as evidence in filing appropriate charges," police said.
Police Regional Office-1 Director Police Brig. Gen. Dindo Reyes said the success of this operation mirrors their strong stand to stop illegal activities in their jurisdiction.
"We acknowledge that smuggling is a national challenge that weakens the economy, hence we are here to stop the supply chain of smuggling," Reyes said. (with a report from PNA)