CEBU, PHILIPPINES — A suspected smuggler of illicit cigarettes was arrested while a P500,000 worth of products believed to be for illegal distribution were seized during an entrapment operation in Barangay Kaongkod, Madridejos, Cebu, early Tuesday yesterday.
The operation was jointly conducted by the Madridejos Municipal Police Station and the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Cebu Police Provincial Office (PIU-CPPO) following an intelligence-driven operation targeting the alleged sale and distribution of cigarette products without the required graphic health warnings, tax stamps and other mandatory markings under Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law.
Police said the suspect was arrested after allegedly selling one ream of the prohibited cigarette products to an undercover operative over an entrapment operation.
Recovered from the suspect were the marked P1,000 buy-bust money, one ream of cigarettes sold to the poseur-buyer, nine master cases containing 225 reams of assorted cigarettes, and another master case containing 24 reams of United cigarettes.
Initial investigation showed that the suspect allegedly sourced the cigarette products from another individual who remains at large.
Authorities said the products were reportedly distributed to several “sari-sari” stores across different barangays in the municipality.
Follow-up operations are underway to identify and arrest other individuals allegedly involved in the illegal trade.
The suspect remains under police custody while appropriate charges are being prepared. The confiscated cigarette products will undergo documentation and disposition as protocol.
Cebu Police Provincial Office Director Police Colonel Abubakar Udang Mangelen Jr. commended the operating personnel for the successful operation and reiterated the CPPO’s commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven operations against the illegal trade of smuggled and non-compliant products to protect the public, support legitimate businesses and hold violators accountable.
The CPPO also encouraged the public to report illegal trading activities and other unlawful acts that threaten public safety and the country’s economic security.
Written by Shiela Mae Agrabio /IHM
