By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have seized at least P28.9 million worth of smuggled cigarettes from a facility in Zamboanga City during a two-day operation.
In a statement on Saturday, CIDG Acting Director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said the operation was conducted in Barangay Patalon, Zamboanga City, from 11:20 p.m. on Nov. 27 to 5 p.m. on Nov. 28 by CIDG-Zamboanga City, in coordination with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and other law enforcement agencies, under BIR Mission Order 00060479.
Torre said 506 cases of cigarettes of assorted brands, worth P28,993,800, without internal revenue stamps, were confiscated from the facility.
The seized items were taken into custody by the BIR for documentation and filing of a case against the owner of the facility for violating the National Internal Revenue Code.
“The CIDG assures the public of its unwavering commitment to enforcing anti-criminality campaigns and putting a stop to illegal and criminal activities,” Torre said.