Reams of fake cigarettes seized from the suspects. Photo by Johnny R. Reblando
CABANGAN, Zambales – Elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Olongapo Field Unit arrested Monday two persons engaged in the distribution and sale of fake cigarettes in Barangay Dolores here.
CIDG-Olongapo chief Major Kim Dominic Gamboasaid suspects Eduardo Francisco y Gatais, 43, of Barangay Inhobol, Masinloc town and Caryl John Costales y Lizada, 25, of Barangay Amungan, Iba were nabbed in an entrapment operation laid out by Staff Sargent Michael K. Ferrer and Patrolwoman Hilda M. Gamboa.
Recovered from the suspects were eight sacks containing 100 reams of Two Moon “Lights” cigarettes and 300 reams of Two Moon “Menthol” cigarettes with an estimated value of P160,000; one genuine P1,000 bill and 19 fake P1,000 bills used as “boodle money”; and one white Foton passenger van with conduction plate number IO 3955 registered to one Eduardo Francisco y Garais.
Police are looking into reports that the suspects are members of a newly identified criminal gang called “Corpus” involved in the sale of fake or smuggled cigarettes.
The suspects are currently detained at CIDG-Olongapo Field Unit while charges are being prepared against them for violation of RA 11346 (National Internal Revenue Code of 1997).
