CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Some P122-million worth of smuggled cigarettes were seized in a series of police operations in San Simon, Pampanga on Christmas Day.
The illegal cigarettes were initially discovered inside an Isuzu truck flagged down by members of the Regional Highway Patrol Unit 3 and the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) Special Operations Division–Task Force Limas along Quezon Road on Dec. 25, said PNP-HPG director BGen. Hansel Marantan.
The truck was initially stopped for traffic violations, including its use of an unauthorized plate, defective tail light, and the driver not wearing a seatbelt.
During the inspection, the driver voluntarily opened the truck’s back door, revealing boxes of contraband cigarettes concealed on pallets. The driver and his helper were immediately arrested.
RHP Unit 3 chief Col. Joel Mendoza said at least 30 boxes of smuggled Modern cigarettes were found inside the truck.
Follow-up operations on Dec. 26 led authorities to a warehouse at the Global Aseana Business Park in Barangay San Pablo Libutad, San Simon where additional 1,500 boxes of smuggled cigarettes were discovered. The seized brands included Modern, JN, Carnival, and Journey.
Police said investigation is ongoing to identify those behind the illegal shipment and possible violations of customs and tax laws. PNP-HPG/File photo of seized smuggled cigarettes
