PNP intercepts P47.5M worth of smuggled cigarettes in Tarlac

The Philippine National Police intercepted P47.5 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during a sustained follow-up operation in Tarlac City, linking the haul to four earlier arrests, police said Tuesday.

PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the extended operation was conducted from around 10 p.m. on 9 February until about 10 a.m. on 10 February in Sitio Pag-asa, Sinipit, Barangay Tibag, Tarlac City.

The operation was carried out by joint units led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Tarlac Provincial Field Unit, with support from CIDG Bulacan, the Tarlac City Police Station, the Tarlac Police Provincial Office, the Provincial Intelligence Unit, PMFTC, and the Philippine Tobacco Institute.

Nartatez said the follow-up stemmed from a buy-bust operation conducted on 8 February in Barangay Tibag that resulted in the arrest of four individuals for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10643, Republic Act No. 7394, and Republic Act No. 8293.

During the operation, police attempted to meet a suspected supplier who failed to appear at the designated location. Further area checking led operatives to discover a wing van and a closed van parked nearby.

An inspection conducted in the presence of barangay officials revealed boxes of suspected branded smuggled cigarettes, with no individuals found guarding the vehicles.

An inventory later confirmed the seizure of 683 master cases of illicit cigarettes, all confiscated in Barangay Tibag, with an estimated value of P47,530,000. The seized items were turned over to the CIDG Tarlac Office for documentation and proper disposition.

Police said they are pursuing investigative leads to identify and apprehend the supplier behind the smuggling operation.

Nartatez said the operation reflects the PNP’s Focused Agenda, particularly its emphasis on sustained enforcement and follow-through.

“Under our watch, We will track down every responsible party and enforce the law without exception. Walang sinuman ang makakalusot sa batas; mananagot ang lahat ng sangkot. The PNP will act decisively to stop illegal trade and protect the people. Ang lumalabag sa batas at sumasamantala sa kabuhayan ng mamamayan ay haharap sa hustisya,” he said.