CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga — Police operatives in Central Luzon arrested a 58-year-old woman. They seized more than P1.6 million worth of suspected untaxed cigarettes during a buy-bust operation in Sitio Araro, Brgy. San Vicente, Orion, Bataan, on Saturday (March 21).
The suspect was apprehended after selling five master cases of RGD cigarettes to an undercover police officer in exchange for P11,500 in marked money.
The operation was conducted by the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of the Bataan Police Provincial Office, in coordination with the Orion Municipal Police Station and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), under a Target Intelligence Packet.
Authorities recovered seven master cases of RGD cigarettes and twenty master cases of Modern cigarettes with an estimated value of P1,687,500.00. The marking and inventory of the seized items were conducted on-site in the presence of BOC representatives to ensure transparency and proper procedure.
RD PRO3 PBGEN Jess B Mendez commended the operating units and underscored that the accomplishment supports the national government’s intensified drive against smuggling.
“This operation reflects our sustained campaign against the proliferation of smuggled cigarettes that undermines our economy. In line with the directive of SILG Hon. Juanito Victor Remulla, we are strengthening inter-agency coordination and intensifying enforcement actions to curb all forms of illicit trade,” Mendez said.
He noted that the operation aligns with the PNP Focused Agenda of Chief PNP, Police General Jose Melencio C Nartatez Jr., particularly on enhanced management of police operations.
“PRO3 will continue to pursue individuals involved in illegal trade and ensure that the law is enforced without fear or favor. Patuloy po ang aming pagbibigay ng serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman ng mamamayan,” he added.
All seized items will be turned over to the appropriate authorities for further examination and proper disposition. (UnliNews Online)
