Nueva Ecija checkpoint yields P165K in fake cigarettes

Authorities confiscated around P165,000 worth of counterfeit cigarettes during a checkpoint operation in Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija on 11 October 2025.

According to the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (NEPPO), personnel from the Zaragoza Municipal Police Station (MPS) arrested two suspects for violating the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 (Republic Act 9211).

The operation was conducted along the Zaragoza–San Antonio Road in Barangay Batitang, where police flagged down a white Toyota Fortuner for inspection. Officers found in plain view a box of Modern Lights cigarettes inside the vehicle. Upon further verification, authorities discovered 10 boxes of fake Modern Lights cigarettes with an estimated value of P165,000.

The suspects failed to present valid documents for the seized items. Both individuals and the confiscated counterfeit cigarettes are now under the custody of the Zaragoza MPS for proper disposition. Criminal charges for violation of R.A. 9211 are being prepared.