Nearly 900 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes worth about P251,720 were seized in an early morning checkpoint operation on Thursday, 12 February, in Barangay Disimungal, Nagtipunan, Quirino Province.

Personnel of the 2nd Quirino Provincial Mobile Force Company arrested two men identified by their aliases “Ernie,” 45, a driver, and “Jas,” 34, a farmer, both residents of San Guillermo, Isabela. They are facing complaints for alleged violations of Section 263 of Republic Act No. 8424, or the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997; Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law; and Republic Act No. 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

According to the police report, members of the 4th Maneuver Platoon stopped a red Toyota Vios traveling from Dinadiawan, Aurora, toward Echague, Isabela, at a border control checkpoint in Barangay Disimungal. During inspection, officers found large boxes and reams of suspected smuggled American Blend Chairman Classic (Red) and American Blend Chairman Menthol (Black) cigarettes inside the vehicle’s cabin, as well as additional boxes in the trunk. The suspects allegedly failed to present any legal documents proving the lawful source and transport of the cigarettes, leading to their arrest.

In all, police counted 899 reams of cigarettes, with an estimated value of ₱251,720, which were brought to the Nagtipunan Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.

Police Regional Office 2 director PBGen. Antonio P. Marallag Jr. said the case underscores the regional police’s drive to block smuggled and counterfeit products at border points. “This successful operation demonstrates our intensified border control and the steadfast dedication of our officers in preventing the entry of smuggled and counterfeit products,” Marallag said. “We will continue to strengthen checkpoint operations and coordination with other agencies to protect government revenue, legitimate businesses, and public welfare.”