Authorities Nab 33 Suspects in Crackdown against Cigarette Smuggling

November 24, 2023

2–3 minutes

Camp BGen Vicente P Lim –Law enforcement authorities from Agoncillo Municipal Police Station led by the Regional Intelligence Division Special Operations Unit, Intelligence Units of Batangas Police Provincial Office and the Bureau of Internal Revenue Region No. 9A-CABAMIRO (Cavite-Batangas-Oriental Mindoro-Occidental Mindoro-Romblon) successfully apprehended 3 suspects involved in cigarette smuggling during a buy-bust operation morning of November 23, 2023 at Brgy Adia, Agoncillo Batangas.

A substantial box of smuggled cigarettes worth P32,000 and buy-bust money amounting to P200,000.00 were confiscated, underscoring the success of the meticulously planned operation.

Following this initial accomplishment, authorities launched a comprehensive follow-up operation also at Brgy Adia, Agoncillo Batangas aimed at dismantling the larger network responsible for the influx of smuggled cigarettes into the Philippine market. It resulted in the arrest of an additional 30 suspects. Among the apprehended individuals were 8 Chinese nationals and 22 Philippine residents highlighting the transnational nature of the illegal trade.

The follow-up operation uncovered a significant cache of smuggled cigarettes, further emphasizing the magnitude of the organized smuggling network. The combined efforts of law enforcement authorities in the region and the BIR led to the seizure of 4 production Machines, 30 sacks containing pure tobacco and packing materials with sufficient commercial quantity, 331 boxes of cigarettes confiscated at Adia Warehouse and 341 boxes of cigarettes confiscated at Pansipit warehouse. All with estimated cost of P21,858,200.00 categorized as illegal by the BIR.

The production machines and other equipment, raw materials, vehicle, and other confiscated items are estimated to cost P300 million.

“The illegal trade of smuggled cigarettes undermines legitimate businesses, deprives the government of crucial tax revenue, and poses a direct threat to the economic well-being of our community. By dismantling this network, we are not just upholding the law; we are safeguarding the economic interests and prosperity of our country,” PBGEN PAUL KENNETH T LUCAS said in a statement.

The suspects arrested in both operations will face charges related to smuggling, illegal trade, and other offenses in accordance with Sections 6 (c), 15, 130, 131, 141, 142, 144, 145, 171, 172, 260, 263, 263-A, 265, 265-B, and 279 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997. The confiscated contraband will be turned over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and disposal.

PBGEN LUCAS expresses its gratitude to the public for their continued support and cooperation. “The Police Regional Office CALABARZON in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies remain steadfast in its mission to uphold the rule of law and protect the citizens from the detrimental effects of illegal activities,” he said.(RPIO4A) #Edjun Mariposque

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