By Connie Calipay | Philippine News Agency
Operatives seized at least P21.6 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested nine suspects during a recent joint operation in the waters of Barangay Marigondon in Pio Duran, Albay.
In a report on Monday, Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 (Bicol) spokesperson, said the operation on Nov. 21 led to the confiscation of 18,850 reams or 377 boxes of assorted imported cigarettes worth P21.2 million and a motorized banca marked “Susie” powered by a Mitsubishi 4D31 engine worth P400,000.
They were immediately turned over to the Bureau of Customs for documentation and disposition.
The nine suspects arrested in the operation are now facing charges for violations of Sections 117 and 1113(a) and (f) of Republic Act 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act) in relation to the Amended Rules and Regulations Governing the Exportation and Importation of Tobacco and Tobacco Products under Executive Order 245.
