P2.5M in smuggled cigarettes seized in Bataan sting

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — A 49-year-old man is facing charges under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act after Bataan police apprehended him Thursday, 19 February, in an entrapment operation that yielded smuggled cigarettes valued at P2.5 million.

The arrest, conducted in Barangay Townsite, Limay, forms part of the Bataan Police Provincial Office’s ongoing campaign against economic offenses.

Police Col. Maritess Salvadora, Bataan provincial director, said personnel from the Limay Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Bureau of Customs, carried out a buy-bust operation targeting the illegal sale and possession of contraband cigarettes.

The sting operation led to the suspect’s arrest and the confiscation of several master cases and rims of various smuggled cigarette brands.

Salvadora said the suspect and the seized evidence are under the custody of the Limay Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. He is expected to face charges for violating Section 1401 in relation to Section 1113(f) of Republic Act 10863.

The provincial director issued a warning to individuals involved in illegal activities, stressing the Bataan police’s commitment to curb unlawful acts in the province.

"We want to make it absolutely clear," Salvadora stated, "This 2.5 million worth of smuggled cigarettes we just seized is just one of many operations. We will continue to be relentless in our fight against illegal activities and those who try to bring them into our province."