The Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) intercepted a convoy of closed van trucks carrying cellphones and other gadgets valued at P221.5 million in Quezon City.

PNP-HPG director Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan said the items were found in four closed vans flagged down by HPG operatives along Mindanao Avenue in Barangay Bahay Toro.

The HPG had received information about trucks allegedly transporting illicit goods from Central Luzon to Metro Manila.

Marantan said the drivers and their helpers were questioned after the cargo did not match the items listed in the documents presented to the police.

“The documents they showed only stated these were cell phone accessories, but you see, they are the cellphones themselves, not accessories,” he said.

“So we will advise, especially the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), to check how much they have paid,” he added.

Marantan said the drivers and their companions were cooperating, claiming they were unaware of the contents of the cargo.

The four drivers were issued citation tickets, and the gadgets were turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BoC).

“We can take their statements if necessary. We also have a good relationship with the BoC so we will work together,” he said.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the operation reflects the PNP’s stance against using highways for illegal activities.

“Our roads cannot be used as passageways for illegal cargo. If there is an attempt to pass through, expect our police to block it,” Nartatez said.

The vehicles were impounded and brought to RHPU-NCR for further investigation.

BoC Enforcement Group chief Brig. Gen. Nolasco Bathan said the agency must first secure a warrant for seizure and detention before investigating.

“From there, we will investigate who was supposed to claim them or who are the people we need to identify. We will look for documents explaining why these gadgets are here. We will start the investigation once the items are turned over to our office,” Bathan said.

“This has a big impact because if it is proven they are not paying the correct taxes, the government loses a lot since they should be paying the proper taxes,” he added.