P280,000 worth of cigarettes seized in San Carlos City

Police arrested a 35-year-old welder and confiscated 400 reams of cigarettes worth an estimated P280,000 after intercepting his motorcycle at a checkpoint on Tuesday afternoon, October 20 at San Carlos City, Pangasinan.

The suspect, identified as Darwin Cisnero Javier, a married resident of San Carlos City, was apprehended at around 2 p.m. after he allegedly attempted to evade a police checkpoint by accelerating his red Honda TMX 155 motorcycle when officers flagged him down for inspection.

Personnel of the San Carlos City Police Station, with the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office Intelligence Unit and Regional Intelligence Division of Police Regional Office 1, pursued and intercepted the rider.

During the inspection, police discovered eight boxes containing 400 reams of Blackhawk cigarettes. Initial verification showed that the cigarette packs allegedly lacked Bureau of Internal Revenue tax stamps, raising suspicion that the tobacco products were untaxed.

Police said Javier was asked to present documents establishing the lawful possession and transport of the cigarettes, including the official receipt, certificate of registration, delivery receipt or authority to transport. However, he allegedly failed to produce the requested documents.

Authorities subsequently arrested the suspect for alleged violations of Republic Act 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, and Republic Act 9211, or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003.

The confiscated cigarettes, valued at P280,000, were marked, inventoried and photographed at the scene in the presence of the suspect and a barangay kagawad who served as a witness.

Javier and the seized tobacco products were brought to the San Carlos City Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.

Police said further investigation and documentation were underway for the filing of appropriate charges.