Police seized approximately P22 million worth of illegally traded fuel and arrested eight suspects during an anti-smuggling operation Thursday in Barangay San Benito, Dinalupihan, Bataan.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced the seizure, which was carried out after law enforcement received tips regarding the unauthorized sale and diversion of petroleum products.

The operation began with an entrapment setup where officers arrested two men, ages 36 and 46, caught selling fuel without the required Department of Energy license.

A follow-up inspection at the site led to the arrest of six additional suspects — five men ranging in age from 42 to 49 and a 42-year-old woman — who were allegedly caught offloading fuel from tanker trucks into unauthorized storage units.

Inspectors verified delivery documents and waybills, confirming the fuel was slated for delivery to a different consignee and destination.

Officers confiscated more than 104,000 liters of petroleum products, including about 68,000 liters of diesel, 20,000 liters of unleaded gasoline, 7,600 liters of premium gasoline, and 8,800 liters of ethanol.

Four fuel tanker trucks, an electric pump, and delivery documents were also impounded.

“The PNP remains firm in protecting lawful trade and ensuring that those who engage in illegal activities are held accountable,” Nartatez said.

“We will sustain intelligence-driven operations to dismantle illicit schemes that undermine economic security and the rule of law,” he added.

The suspects face charges for violating Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865, which penalizes the illegal sale, distribution, and diversion of petroleum products.

The joint operation was spearheaded by the Regional Special Operations Group of the Regional Intelligence Division 3, alongside the PNP Intelligence Group Task Force Anti-Smuggling, the CIDG Bataan Provincial Field Unit, local intelligence officers, and Dinalupihan municipal police.