MANILA, Philippines - Over P15 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were intercepted by authorities on March 31 at Pinamarbuhan Port, Barangay Pinamarbuhan, Mobo, Masbate, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Thursday.
The operation, led by the Mobo Municipal Police Station (MPS), the Police Investigation Unit of the Masbate Police Provincial Office (PPO), and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 5, resulted in the arrest of two suspects. Authorities discovered a 10-wheeler truck loaded with 630 boxes of assorted cigarette brands without proper documentation.
The seized goods and the suspects were brought to the Mobo MPS for proper disposition.
“This operation is a clear reminder that illegal trade will not be tolerated, and we are committed to protecting lawful business and public welfare,” PNP chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.
“Our commitment is to protect public interest while ensuring that those who defraud the government face the consequences. Pinahahalagahan namin ang kabuhayan ng ating mga mamamayan, kaya mahigpit naming ipinapatupad ang batas laban sa mga nagbebenta ng ilegal na produkto,” Nartatez added.
