P17.6-M allegedly smuggled cigarettes seized in Pangasinan

CALASIAO, Pangasinan — Police seized an estimated P17.65 million worth of allegedly smuggled cigarettes from a van intercepted in Agno, Pangasinan on Thursday, authorities said.

In a report on Saturday, the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPO) said an inspection of the van led to the discovery of 278 boxes of Red Modern cigarettes containing a total of 139,000 packs.

The two men aboard the vehicle—a 31-year-old married driver from Bataan and a 47-year-old substitute driver from Sorsogon—failed to present valid documents authorizing the possession and transport of the cigarette products, according to the police.

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Based on data from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 1, the cigarettes have a prevailing market price of P127 per pack.

The suspects, vehicle and cargo were brought to the Agno Municipal Police Station for documentation, inventory and verification.

The Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Internal Revenue also conducted on-site inventory and verification.

Police said the evidence was submitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the filing of a case for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

The case was subsequently referred to the DOJ Prosecutor General.

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The two suspects remained in the custody of the Agno police pending the DOJ’s evaluation.

Police Col. Dennis L. De Leon, officer-in-charge of the Pangasinan PPO, commended the Agno police, led by Police Maj. Noeralyn R. Tamayo, for their vigilance and prompt action in intercepting the shipment.

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The Pangasinan PPO said the operation supports the directive of PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. to curb the proliferation of illicit cigarettes and hold those involved in illegal activities accountable under the law.