P3 million ‘smuggled’ cigarettes seized

CEBU, Philippines — An estimated P3 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes was seized while two men were arrested during a buy-bust operation targeting the illegal selling and refilling of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and butane canisters in sitio Kagwangan, Barangay Tarong, Madridejos, Cebu, in the early hours of Thursday, July 9.

The operation was jointly conducted by the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st PMFC), the Madridejos Municipal Police Station, and the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7.

According to police, the suspects were caught selling illegally refilled AgilaGas butane canisters.

During the operation, authorities also discovered 30 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes–14 master cases of United Menthol cigarettes and 16 master cases of Bosston cigarettes–with an estimated market value of P3 million.

Also recovered from the operation were 325 illegally refilled AgilaGas butane canisters, an LPG refilling setup composed of a 50-kilogram LPG tank, a weighing scale, improvised refilling equipment, and the marked buy-bust money.

The suspects will face charges for violating Section 40 of Republic Act No. 11592, which prohibits the illegal selling and refilling of LPG cylinders and butane canisters, as well as Section 1401 of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, for possession of suspected smuggled goods.

Police said the suspects were informed of the nature of their arrest and apprised of their constitutional rights under the Miranda Doctrine.

They are currently in the custody of the Madridejos Municipal Police Station while criminal complaints are being prepared for filing in court.

PCOL Abubakar Udang Mangelen Jr., director of the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO), commended the operating teams for the successful operation, saying the police will continue to intensify efforts against smuggling, illegal LPG refilling, and other unlawful activities that threaten public safety and economic security.

The CPPO also urged the public to report illegal trading activities, smuggling, and other unlawful operations to help maintain peace and order throughout the province. — /MRM (FREEMAN)