BOXES of assorted smuggled cigarettes were intercepted in a police checkpoint operation in Limay, Bataan on Wednesday, February 24, 2021.
Police Regional Office-Central Luzon Director Brigadier General Valeriano De Leon said a total of 460 boxes of Marvels, D&B, Mithy and Tomon brands were recovered from a trailer truck traversing the Romana Highway in the said town.
De Leon added the checkpoint operation was conducted in coordination with representatives from Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation and Japan Tobacco Incorporation.
He said the driver, later identified as Alberto Gianan, and his porter Benmark Cabubas failed to present pertinent documents for the said cigarettes when inspected by police.
During investigation, Gianan reportedly told police that another truck containing contraband was also traversing the said area.
The said truck driven by one Raymart Latayan along with porter Jumar Vanidad was also intercepted and yielded 21 sling bags with cartoon cigarettes without pertinent documents.
A total of P9 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were recovered during the said operation, De Leon said.
The suspects are now facing charges for violation of Tobacco Act of 2003 and Sections 258 and 263 of the National Internal Revenue Code as amended.