CAMP GEN. MARIANO N. LLANERA, Cabanatuan City — Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office’s (NEPPO) campaign against smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes in the province led in the seizure/recovery of more than P237,000.00 worth of illegal cigarettes and the arrest of 4 individuals on Thursday (May 7).
Based on the report of P/Col. Ritchie R. Claravall, Nueva Ecija Provincial Director to P/Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez, Regional Director PRO3, said that elements of Gapan City PS, Bongabon PS, Jaen PS, and Quezon PS conducted separate operations (OPLAN Sita, Entrapment, and Checkpoint Operations) that led to the arrest of four suspects found in possession of more or less 132 reams of counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes.
Among the confiscated cigarette brands were More, FarStar Kingsize, Golden Leaf, Gift, Modern Red, RGD, Black Modern, and Platinum Seven, with an estimated market value of P117,440.00.
The arrested suspects will be charged with violations of RA 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act), RA 10643 (Graphic Health Warnings Law), and RA 8424 (National Internal Revenue Code of 1997) respectively.
Meanwhile, concerned citizens voluntarily surrendered an additional 112 reams of similar cigarette products valued at approximately P119,610.00 to Guimba PS, Laur PS, Nampicuan PS, San Leonardo PS, and Sto. Domingo PS.
The confiscated and surrendered cigarette products were brought to the respective operating units for proper disposition and documentation.
Col. Claravall said, “NEPPO will continue to intensify its campaign against smuggled and counterfeit products to protect consumers, support legitimate businesses, and prevent the proliferation of illegal goods in the province.” (UnliNews Online)
