P20.8-M smuggled cigarettes seized in Misamis Oriental
Police in Misamis Oriental, Philippines, intercepted a van smuggling P20.8 million worth of illicit cigarettes hidden under abaca fiber. Three suspects were arrested and will face charges under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Why it matters
The seizure highlights ongoing efforts by regional authorities to combat large-scale smuggling operations that undermine tax revenue and legal trade.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Authorities seized an estimated P20.8 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes and arrested three individuals before dawn on Saturday, July 11, in Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental.
Maj. Joann Navarro, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office-10 (PRO-10), said the contraband was seized after the driver of a Mitsubishi Fuso closed van sped past a police checkpoint at around 2:15 a.m. on Saturday.
She said police, who had received a tip about the alleged smuggled cigarettes, briefly chased and intercepted the vehicle.
After issuing a citation ticket for disregarding traffic signs, officers noticed the occupants giving inconsistent responses and displaying evasive behavior, PRO-10 said in a report.
The driver later admitted the cargo contained suspected smuggled cigarettes, it added.
READ: BOC, NBI vows all-out war vs smuggling; seized P980-M illicit cigarettes
READ: How ₱3.56B worth of smuggled cigarettes reached Cebu, Manila
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