Central Luzon police net P960M in suspected smuggled cigarettes

Police operatives inspect one of the 15 trailer trucks caught carrying boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes. (Photo courtesy of the Central Luzon Police) MABALACAT CITY — The Central Luzon police intercepted 15 trailer trucks loaded with P960 million worth of suspected tobacco contraband in the provinces of Pampanga and Bataan on Monday, September 7. According to a police statement on Wednesday, the successful operation was triggered by a truck that was stopped at Cacutud village in Mabalacat at 12:30 a.m. on Monday and was found to be loaded with P48.9 million worth of cigarettes, which are suspected to have been smuggled. Police said the cigarettes had no Bureau of Internal Revenue stamps. Investigators learned from the four arrested occupants of the truck that the smuggled cigarettes may have originated from a private seaport in the Bataan town of Mariveles. Article continues after this advertisement READ: P48.9M ‘smuggled’ cigarettes seized in Pampanga, 4 men arrested Operatives of the Police Regional Special Operations Group–Regional Intelligence Division 3 proceeded to the port. “During the surveillance, several trailer trucks carrying 40-foot container vans were monitored in the area. At about 8:30 PM, the trucks were observed leaving one after another, prompting operating units to [relocate to] identified routes in Bataan and Pampanga,” the report said. Policemen intercepted five trailer trucks in Lubao town in Pampanga; seven in Abucay town in Bataan; two in Limay town in Bataan; and one in Orion town, also in Bataan. “The trucks were subsequently found carrying substantial quantities of suspected smuggled or illicit cigarette products,” the regional police office said. Article continues after this advertisement It said initial estimates show the value of the cigarette products loaded in the trucks at P960 million, “subject to final inventory and verification by the appropriate authorities.” “The earlier interception in Mabalacat City provided our personnel with information that we immediately pursued. This follow-up operation prevented another substantial volume of suspected illicit cigarettes from reaching the market,” said Police Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez, Central Luzon police director. Article continues after this advertisement READ: P5-M ‘smuggled’ cigarettes seized in Pagadian waters The police regional office is coordinating with concerned government agencies to verify and dispose of the intercepted products and file appropriate charges against those found liable./coa Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.