BUTUAN CITY – Authorities seized more than 8,000 reams of smuggled cigarettes worth P2,968,350 in Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur on Wednesday, April 24.
Police Regional Office 13-Regional Public Information Office chief Police Major Jennifer S. Ometer said two suspected smugglers – Mal, 60, and Pen – were arrested.
Mal was caught in Barangay Poblacion, Barobo, Surigao del Sur and Pen in Barangay San Isidro, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte.
Seized from the suspects were 150 reams of President cigarettes, 50 reams of Alpha cigarettes, 428 reams of Oakley original cigarettes, 287 reams of Greenhill cigarettes, 956 reams of King Perfect cigarettes, 350 reams of Delta cigarettes;
Three-hundred fifty reams of Broadpeak cigarettes, 432 reams of New Orleans cigarettes, 1,407 reams of Hero cigarettes, 3,900 reams of Soda cigarettes, 25 reams of Nelson cigarettes, and 146 reams of New Aries cigarettes.
PRO-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Kirby John B. Kraft commended operating units for their achievement.
“May these feats serve as a stern warning that we will not be tolerating any illegal activities, including smuggling of cigarettes in this region.”
“Together with our partner agencies, rest assured that the Caraga police shall continue in striving to keep this kind illegal activity at bay,” Kraft added.
Ometer said the suspects will be charged for violating Republic Act No. 8424 or the Tax Reform Act of 1997.
The confiscated items are under the custody of the Bureau of Internal Revenue-13 for proper disposition.