Authorities seized nearly P28.7 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested two people during a joint anti-smuggling operation in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on June 9.
The Police Regional Office (PRO) MIMAROPA said the operation was carried out by personnel of Police Station 2 of the Puerto Princesa City Police Office, led by Capt. Cyrus Ezra Taliman, together with City Mobile Force Company (CMFC) Task Force Plutus under Maj. Ray Aron Elona.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of Puerto Princesa City police director Col. David Toctocan Jr. and in coordination with the Bureau of Customs-Puerto Princesa Collection District.
Initial police reports showed that the suspects were intercepted along the National Highway in Barangay Sta. Monica after they allegedly tried to avoid law enforcers conducting Oplan Sita in the area.
Authorities recovered 188 master cases of assorted cigarettes with an estimated market value of P28,678,766. They also seized an Isuzu Elf truck with plate number RJW 969, which was allegedly used to transport the contraband.
The confiscated cigarettes were turned over to the Bureau of Customs for inventory and documentation in the presence of required witnesses.
Authorities are preparing appropriate charges for possible violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, relevant provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code, and the Graphic Health Warnings Law.
Police said the two arrested individuals were informed of the reason for their arrest and apprised of their constitutional rights. They remain under police custody pending the filing of charges.
PRO MIMAROPA acting regional director Brig. Gen. Christopher Dela Cruz commended the Puerto Princesa City Police Office, CMFC Task Force Plutus, and the Bureau of Customs for the operation.
“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.
He said the operation showed the importance of coordination among law enforcement agencies in going after smuggling, economic sabotage, and other organized criminal activities.
“Through strong inter-agency cooperation and intelligence-driven operations, PRO MIMAROPA will continue to support national efforts against smuggling, economic sabotage, and other forms of transnational and organized criminal activity,” he added.