AUTHORITIES arrested three persons and seized some P80,150 worth of smuggled cigarettes in an anti-smuggling operation in the province of Lanao del Norte, the police said Monday, January 27, 2025.
The Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP-MG) did not identify the three arrested persons, who were caught violating Republic Act 8424 otherwise known as the Tax Reform Act of 1997.
The PNP-MG said the arrest and confiscation were made in an anti-smuggling operation on Saturday, January 25, at the public market of Tubod, Lanao del Norte.
The PNP-MG said the three arrested persons were caught in possession of some 150 reams of assorted brand of cigarettes worth P80,150.
“These items were being sold illegally without proper documentation or tax payments, violating excise tax regulations under Tax Reform Act of 1997,” the PNP-MG said.
The three arrested suspects and the confiscated cigarettes were placed under the custody of the Lanao del Norte Maritime Police Station (LDN MARPSTA) for further legal action.
The anti-smuggling operation was launched by the LDN MARPSTA, policemen of Tubod, Lanao del Norte, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue. (SunStar Zamboanga)