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P28.6-M illegal cigarettes seized in Palawan

Philippines | Luzon

P28.6-M illegal cigarettes seized in Palawan

By Philippine News Agency

DELA CRUZ (FB)

A joint police and Customs anti-smuggling operation led to the seizure of P28.6-million worth of suspected illegal cigarettes and the arrest of two individuals in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, on Tuesday.

According to Police Brig. Gen. Christopher dela Cruz, chief of the Police Regional Office in Mimaropa (PRO 4-B), the suspects were intercepted on the national highway in Barangay Santa Monica after they attempted to evade a law enforcement checkpoint.

Dela Cruz said authorities confiscated 188 master cases of assorted cigarettes with an estimated market value of P28.6 million.

Also seized was an Isuzu Elf truck that was allegedly used to transport the contraband.

He added that the seized items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs for inventory and documentation in the presence of required witnesses.

The arrested individuals, meanwhile, were informed of the reason for their arrest, apprised of their constitutional rights, and are currently under police custody pending the filing of appropriate charges.

Charges for possible violations of Republic Act 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act), Republic Act 12022 (Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act), pertinent provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code, and Republic Act 10643 (Graphic Health Warnings Law) are being prepared against the suspects.

"This accomplishment demonstrates our unwavering commitment to combating illicit trade and other unlawful activities that undermine government revenues, legitimate businesses, and public welfare," Dela Cruz said in a statement.

Related Tags

Smuggled cigarettes PRO 4-B Mimaropa

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