MANILA, Philippines — Three people were arrested in a raid that also resulted in the seizure of alleged smuggled cigarettes valued at P605 million in Plaridel, Bulacan yesterday.
Up to 8,647 master cases of imported cigarettes with no stamps of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and graphic health warnings were found in a warehouse in Barangay Bulihan, according to the Bureau of Customs.
The BOC identified those arrested as Randy Ngo, Benjie Diocades and Joan Pagkaliwagan.
The raid stemmed from information provided by residents about suspicious activities occurring in the warehouse.
The anti-smuggling operation was conducted by members of the BOC in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police and village officials.