The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) announced on Friday that at least P1.6 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were seized, and one suspect was arrested during a police operation in Palawan.

CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III identified the suspect as alias Joey, a resident of Barangay Sicsican, Puerto Princesa City. He was apprehended in Barangay Tinitian, Roxas, Palawan, on Wednesday while transporting imported cigarettes without the necessary documents.

During the operation, authorities confiscated an Isuzu panel truck without a license plate and 100 master cases of Fort Green cigarettes from the suspect.

Joey is now facing charges before the National Prosecution Service for violating the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

Torre emphasized that police will continue their crackdown on smuggling and economic sabotage.

“We encourage the public to promptly report any suspicious activities or violations of the law in your areas, and your CIDG will take care of the rest,” he said.