The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested an Indian national and seized smuggled cigarettes with more than P850,000 in assessed tax liability during an anti-smuggling operation in Besao, Mountain Province.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the operation led to the confiscation of imported cigarette products with a Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)-assessed tax liability of P850,124.49.
The 33-year-old suspect was arrested for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warning Law, and Republic Act No. 10963, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law.
Authorities seized 82 reams of imported cigarettes in red variant, 15 reams of imported cigarettes in light variant, and 10 packs of assorted imported cigarette products. Police said the items lacked proper tax documents and proof of lawful importation.
The operation was carried out by local and regional police units in coordination with the BIR.
An on-site inventory of the confiscated products was conducted in the presence of barangay officials of Barangay Kin-iway. The suspect and the seized items were later brought to the Besao Municipal Police Station for documentation and the filing of appropriate charges.
Nartatez said illegal cigarette trading deprives the government of revenues and hurts legitimate businesses.
“Illegal cigarette trading weakens government revenue collection and fuels unlawful business activities that harm legitimate industries and consumers. The PNP will continue to strengthen operations against smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage in support of national law enforcement efforts,” he said.
The PNP said the operation forms part of its enhanced police operations against smuggling, illegal trade and other activities that threaten economic security and public order.
“Malinaw ang mensahe namin sa mga sangkot sa smuggling at ilegal na negosyo — mananagot kayo sa batas. Hindi titigil ang PNP sa pagpapatupad ng batas para maprotektahan ang mamamayan,” Nartatez said.
The police organization said it would continue its campaign against smuggling and other economic offenses in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to protect lawful trade and government revenue collection.