Two men were arrested for transporting six boxes of undocumented cigarettes along Maharlika Highway in Barangay San Roque, Gapan City, on 17 July, 2025.
According to Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (NEPPO) chief Police Colonel Heryl Bruno, personnel from the Gapan City Police Station were conducting an Oplan Sita operation in the area when they flagged down a gray Toyota Hi-Ace Commuter van for a routine check.
Upon inspection, officers noticed several boxes of cigarettes in plain view. A closer look revealed a total of six boxes of RGD cigarettes inside the vehicle, with an estimated street value of P136,500.
The suspects were later identified as two male individuals, aged 30 and 33, both residents of Dagupan Street, Tondo, Manila.
The duo failed to present proper documentation for the items and were arrested for violation of Republic Act 9211, or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003.